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While neonatal cholestasis refers to conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants, there are many pathologic processes that can cause this to occur. Any anatomic disturbance or obstruction in the hepatobiliary tract can cause elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin. [1] Some of the causes of neonatal cholestasis are listed below:
Neonatal jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the white part of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby due to high bilirubin levels. [1] Other symptoms may include excess sleepiness or poor feeding. [1] Complications may include seizures, cerebral palsy, or kernicterus. [1] In most of cases there is no specific underlying physiologic disorder. [2]
Causes of jaundice vary from relatively benign to potentially fatal. [10] High unconjugated bilirubin may be due to excess red blood cell breakdown, large bruises, genetic conditions such as Gilbert's syndrome, not eating for a prolonged period of time, newborn jaundice, or thyroid problems.
Complications of HDN could include kernicterus, hepatosplenomegaly, inspissated (thickened or dried) bile syndrome and/or greenish staining of the teeth, hemolytic anemia and damage to the liver due to excess bilirubin. Conditions that may cause similar symptoms in the newborn period include: acquired hemolytic anemia, congenital toxoplasma ...
If the bilirubin level is sufficiently high as to cause worry, it can be lowered via phototherapy in the first instance or an exchange transfusion if severely elevated. [citation needed] Phototherapy - Phototherapy is used for cord bilirubin of 3 or higher. Some doctors use it at lower levels while awaiting lab results. [19]
In general, in an unvaccinated individual, the viral hepatitis family causes liver damage due to a cell-mediated response via cytotoxic lymphocytes. [52] Acute viral hepatitis can lead to jaundice, elevated bilirubin, elevated liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase), and flu-like symptoms. [52]
Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in a newborn can lead to accumulation of bilirubin in certain brain regions (particularly the basal nuclei) with consequent irreversible damage to these areas manifesting as various neurological deficits, seizures, abnormal reflexes and eye movements. This type of neurological injury is known as kernicterus.
The common cause is congenital, but it can also be caused by maternal steroids passed on through breast milk to the newborn.It is different from breast feeding-associated jaundice (breast-fed infants have higher bilirubin levels than formula-fed ones).