Jaundice in children

Jaundice in children, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. Here are the primary causes of jaundice in children:

1. Physiological Jaundice (Newborn Jaundice)

• Common in newborns, especially preterm babies.
• Occurs because the liver is immature and cannot process bilirubin efficiently.
• Typically appears 2-4 days after birth and resolves within 1-2 weeks.

2. Breastfeeding Jaundice

• Occurs in some breastfed babies due to insufficient milk intake, leading to dehydration and reduced bilirubin excretion.
• Usually resolves with increased feeding.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice

• Caused by substances in breast milk that may interfere with bilirubin metabolism.
• Appears after the first week of life and can persist for several weeks.

4. Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

• Caused by blood group incompatibility between mother and baby (e.g., Rh or ABO incompatibility).
• Leads to excessive breakdown of red blood cells and increased bilirubin production.

5. Infections

• Bacterial or viral infections (e.g., sepsis, urinary tract infections, or hepatitis) can impair liver function and cause jaundice.

6. Biliary Atresia

• A rare condition where the bile ducts are blocked or absent, preventing bilirubin excretion.
• Requires surgical intervention.

7. Genetic or Metabolic Disorders

• Conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, or G6PD deficiency can affect bilirubin metabolism.
• These disorders may cause chronic or recurrent jaundice.

8. Hepatitis

• Inflammation of the liver due to viral infections (e.g., hepatitis A, B, or C) or other causes can lead to jaundice.

9. Hemolysis

• Excessive breakdown of red blood cells due to conditions like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or autoimmune disorders.

10. Liver Dysfunction

• Liver diseases such as neonatal hepatitis or cirrhosis can impair bilirubin processing.

11. Bile Duct Obstruction

• Blockages in the bile ducts (e.g., due to gallstones or tumors) can prevent bilirubin excretion.

12. Medications or Toxins

• Certain drugs or toxins can damage the liver or increase bilirubin levels.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

• Jaundice in the first 24 hours of life.
• Severe or persistent jaundice (lasting more than 2 weeks in full-term babies or 3 weeks in preterm babies).
• Associated symptoms like poor feeding, lethargy, dark urine, or pale stools.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like kernicterus (a type of brain damage caused by high bilirubin levels).