What is icterus Neonatorum?
Icterus neonatorum is taken to mean the presence of clinical jaundice in infants during the first 3-4 weeks of life. Most cases of clinical jaundice are present during the first week of life, more rarely during the second week or later.
What causes pathologic jaundice?
Pathologic jaundice is the most serious type of jaundice. It occurs within 24 hours after birth, and is characterized by a rapid rise in a baby’s bilirubin level. The most likely cause is blood incompatibility or liver disease. Prompt medical attention is necessary, and blood transfusions may be required.
How is pathologic jaundice treated?
If bilirubin levels necessitate it, treatment for jaundice involves phototherapy and/or exchange transfusion of donor blood. In cases of pathological jaundice the underlying cause must also be treated. Parental involvement is important to minimise the trauma of having a sick baby and its effect on bonding.
What is meant by Ophthalmia Neonatorum?
PIP: Ophthalmia neonatorum is defined as any conjunctivitis with discharge from the eyes during the first 28 days of life. Its etiology may be gonococcal or nongonococcal, Chlamydia trachomatis being the most important cause in the latter group.
Is breastfeeding jaundice physiological?
Physiologic jaundice: occurs between 1 and 7 days of life and peaks at 3–5 days. Breastfeeding jaundice (BFJ): exaggerated physiologic jaundice associated with inadequate milk intake. Breast milk jaundice (BMJ): occurs between 1 and 12 weeks in thriving breast milk–fed infant.
What are the 3 types of jaundice?
There are three main types of jaundice: pre-hepatic, hepatocellular, and post-hepatic.
- Pre-Hepatic. In pre-hepatic jaundice, there is excessive red cell breakdown which overwhelms the liver’s ability to conjugate bilirubin.
- Hepatocellular.
- Post-Hepatic.
What is the treatment for pathological jaundice of newborn?
Phototherapy: This treatment is the most common for newborns requiring medical treatment for neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy (light treatment) involves placing the newborn under artificial blue lights with the baby undressed (wearing only a diaper) and using a special mask to protect the eyes.
