Definition & Etiology

Definition
– Increased bilirubin levels causing yellow discolouration of skin/sclera in neonates
– Can be physiological or pathological

Prevalence
– 60% of term babies
– 80% of preterm babies
– 82% develop within the first week of life

Etiology
Physiological (usually resolves by 2 weeks):
– Increased bilirubin load
– Decreased liver uptake
– Associated with breast/formula feeding

• Breastfed babies are linked to prolonged physiological Jaundice (12 weeks)

Pathological:
– Blood group incompatibility (Rhesus status)
– Sepsis – Metabolic disorders
– Gilbert syndrome
– Crigler-Najjar syndrome
– G6PD deficiency
– Congenital obstructions
– Malformations of the biliary tract (Biliary atresia)