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Physiologic jaundice can be a benign condition that presents in newborns until two weeks of life. [2] However, jaundice that continues after two weeks requires follow up with measurement of total and conjugated bilirubin. [3] Elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin are never benign and require further evaluation for neonatal cholestasis. [3]
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 ]
Prognosis is good, and treatment of this syndrome is usually unnecessary. Most patients are asymptomatic and have normal lifespans. [5] Some neonates present with cholestasis. [5] Hormonal contraceptives and pregnancy may lead to overt jaundice and icterus (yellowing of the eyes and skin). [citation needed]
Prolonged hyperbilirubinemia (severe jaundice) can result in chronic bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus). [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.
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]
Jaundice in some babies can disappear within one to two weeks without treatment; however for babies with more severe jaundice, treatment is required. Traditional phototherapy devices include blue LEDs, halogen white light, and fluorescent tubes. A biliblanket is a phototherapy home treatment that consists of a portable illuminator and fiber ...
Jaundice may be noticeable in the sclera of the eyes at levels of about 2 to 3 mg/dl (34 to 51 μmol/L), [27] and in the skin at higher levels. [note 1] Jaundice is classified, depending upon whether the bilirubin is free or conjugated to glucuronic acid, into conjugated jaundice or unconjugated jaundice. [citation needed]
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