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Neonatal cholestasis refers to elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin identified in newborn infants within the first few months of life. [1] Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia is clinically defined as >20% of total serum bilirubin or conjugated bilirubin concentration greater than 1.0 mg/dL regardless of total serum bilirubin concentration. [2]
[5] [6] Quick and accurate treatment of neonatal jaundice helps to reduce the risk of neonates developing kernicterus. [7] Infants with kernicterus may have a fever [8] or seizures. [9] High pitched crying is an effect of kernicterus. [citation needed] Exchange transfusions performed to lower high bilirubin levels are an aggressive treatment. [10]
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and sclera due to high bilirubin levels. [3] [6] Jaundice in adults is typically a sign indicating the presence of underlying diseases involving abnormal heme metabolism, liver dysfunction, or biliary-tract obstruction. [7]
There are additional rare causes of hereditary hyperbilirubinemia like Lucey-Driscoll syndrome and Heme Oxygenase-1 Deficiency. [1] Both Gilbert syndrome and Crigler-Najjar syndrome cause an elevated unconjugated bilirubin level due to mutations in the UGT1A1 gene, which conjugates bilirubin within liver cells so it can be excreted.
Bilirubin should be tested from cord blood. [5] Ferritin - because most infants affected by HDN have iron overload, ferritin levels must be measured before giving the infant any additional iron. [11] Newborn Screening Tests - Transfusion with donor blood during pregnancy or shortly after birth can affect the results of the Newborn Screening Tests.
As bilirubin increases, it causes jaundice (a yellow appearance.) If the bilirubin level climbs too high, it can leave deposits on the brain, resulting in permanent and irreversible mental ...
Treatment of the condition is specific to the cause of hemolysis, but intense phototherapy and exchange transfusion can be used to help the patient excrete accumulated bilirubin. [11] Complications related to hemolytic jaundice include hyperbilirubinemia and chronic bilirubin encephalopathy, which may be deadly without proper treatment. [12] [13]
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