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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 ]
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]
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]
In severe cases, it is manifested as jaundice, the yellowing of tissues like skin and the sclera when excess bilirubin deposits in them. [1] The US records 52,500 jaundice patients annually. [ 2 ] By definition, bilirubin concentration of greater than 3 mg/dL is considered hyperbilirubinemia, following which jaundice progressively develops and ...
The sclera's blood vessels are mainly on the surface. Along with the vessels of the conjunctiva (which is a thin layer covering the sclera), those in the episclera render the inflamed eye bright red. [6] In many vertebrates, the sclera is reinforced with plates of cartilage or bone, together forming a circular structure called the sclerotic ring.
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