Underlying conditions that may cause jaundice in newborns
Most often,
jaundice in a newborn
resolves on its own without any
problems. However, sometimes high levels of
bilirubin
in a newborn's blood are caused by an
underlying condition. In these babies, treatment for the underlying condition
is needed to resolve the jaundice.
Jaundice that appears less than 24 hours after birth needs to be
evaluated carefully for another possible cause, such as:
1
-
Blood type incompatibility or other blood problems. Differences in
blood type
between a mother and her newborn, as well
as certain other conditions, can cause the newborn's red blood cells to be
destroyed. Bilirubin is released when red blood cells are destroyed.
-
Disorders of the digestive system. Any condition that
interferes with the digestive system's ability to process and eliminate
bilirubin may result in jaundice. Some of these conditions include disorders
that are present at birth, including problems with the liver and bile ducts and
blockage of the bowel.
-
Infection. Serious kidney infections,
hepatitis
,
toxoplasmosis
, and
rubella
are infectious diseases that can lead to
jaundice.
Citations
-
American Academy of Pediatrics (2004). Management of
hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation.
Pediatrics, 114(1): 297–316.
Last Updated:
May 27, 2008
American Academy of Pediatrics (2004). Management of
hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation.
Pediatrics, 114(1): 297–316.
