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Jaundice, Pediatric

Andrew J. Wehrman, MD and Kathleen M. Loomes, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Jaundice: a yellow or green/yellow hue to the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes which can be appreciated at serum bilirubin levels >2 mg/dL. Intensity of color is directly relat...

DIAGNOSIS

Approach to patient 
  • Phase 1: Determine if hyperbilirubinemia is unconjugated or conjugated.

  • Phase 2: if unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia

    • Obtain CBC and indices.

    • Reticulocyte count

    • Coombs test: If...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treatment largely depends on etiology of jaundice.

  • In infants with confirmed biliary atresia, Kasai portoenterostomy is performed.

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid is an exogenous bile aci...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Hyperbilirubinemia. Management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation. Pediatrics.  2004;114(1...

CODES

ICD9

  • 782.4 Jaundice, unspecified, not of newborn

  • 774.6 Unspecified fetal and neonatal jaundice

  • 774.2 Neonatal jaundice associated with preterm delivery

  • 277.4 Disorders of bilirubin excretion

  • 751.61 B...

FAQ

  • Q: Are there any findings in neonatal jaundice that are specifically concerning?

  • A: These findings are concerning until proven otherwise:

    • Jaundice before 36 hours of life

    • Persistent jaundice beyond 1...

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