What Are the Causes of Jaundice in Neonates?
Newborn jaundice, or neonatal jaundice, is a condition that is actually quite common among newborn babies and frequently requires no treatment whatsoever. If treatment is needed, it is typically non-invasive and quite effective. Approximately 60 percent of newborns have jaundice.
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Most common cause
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The usual cause for newborn or neonatal jaundice is due to the liver being immature and not able to break down bilirubin, the yellow-colored waste product from red blood cells. Premature infants are especially vulnerable to developing jaundice.
Blood incompatibility
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Another cause of newborn jaundice is when there the mother and child's blood types are incompatible such as when the mother is Rh negative and the child is Rh positive.
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Infections
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Various viral or bacterial infections can also cause jaundice in newborns. Certain anemias or blood diseases can also cause jaundice.
Difficult delivery
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A child who suffers significant bruising during birth, or who has internal bleeding, may also develop newborn jaundice.
Less likely causes
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There are some diseases and conditions which may cause newborn or neonatal jaundice, such as Niemann-Pick disease,cystic fibrosis or hypothyroidism among others. However, it is rare that a serious illness or disease is the culprit for the common malady of newborn jaundice.
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