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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]
Kernicterus is a bilirubin-induced brain dysfunction. [1] The term was coined in 1904 by Christian Georg Schmorl.Bilirubin is a naturally occurring substance in the body of humans and many other animals, but it is neurotoxic when its concentration in the blood is too high, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia.
Infant undergoing bili light therapy in a United States maternity ward. A bili light [1] [2] is a light therapy tool to treat newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia).High levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage (kernicterus), leading to cerebral palsy, auditory neuropathy, gaze abnormalities and dental enamel hypoplasia.
This can result in kernicterus if left unchecked. 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.
[4] [9] High blood bilirubin is divided into two types: unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin. [10] 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 ...
Depending on the type of hereditary hyperbilirubinemia, symptoms can be worsened when an additional cause of increased red blood cell turnover occurs, as these patients have a decreased ability to process bilirubin. Elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin is neurotoxic and can cause damage to the brain, called bilirubin encephalopathy which ...
The varied causes of hyperbilirubinemia are best understood from bilirubin metabolism. The total average daily production of bilirubin in humans is 4 mg/kg. 80% of which is derived from haemoglobin (Hb) produced by erythrocyte breakdown, with the remaining from heme proteins , like myoglobin and cytochrome , turnover. [ 5 ]
Intact maternal detoxification protects baby during intrauterine life, yet after delivery, the baby struggles with the aflatoxin in its blood and liver. Moreover, the baby feeds aflatoxin M 1 from its mom, as aflatoxin M 1 is the detoxification product of aflatoxin B1. It is a milder toxin that causes cholangitis in the baby. [17]