Bilirubin and Jaundice in Newborns
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Questions and Answers

What process is essential for the body to eliminate bilirubin?

  • Reabsorption of bilirubin in the intestines.
  • Storing bilirubin within the red blood cells for later use.
  • Conjugating bilirubin in the liver, then excreting it in bile, urine, and stool. (correct)
  • Directly excreting unconjugated bilirubin via urine.
  • Which enzyme is responsible for the detoxification of bilirubin in the liver?

  • Amylase
  • Lipase
  • Lactase
  • Glucuronyl transferase (correct)
  • What happens to conjugated bilirubin after it enters the intestines?

  • It is directly excreted in the urine.
  • Bacterial action reduces it to urobilinogen. (correct)
  • It is converted back to unconjugated bilirubin.
  • It is absorbed into the bloodstream unchanged.
  • What is the initial form of bilirubin that is produced as a result of hemoglobin breakdown?

    <p>Unconjugated bilirubin bound to albumin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of jaundice (icterus) in newborns?

    <p>Excessive levels of accumulated bilirubin in the blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is an early sign of bilirubin encephalopathy in infants?

    <p>Increased lethargy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a late-stage neurological sign associated with bilirubin encephalopathy?

    <p>Opisthotonos (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A newborn's body produces more bilirubin than an adult due to which of these factors?

    <p>Higher concentrations of circulating erythrocytes and a shorter life span of RBCs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason for reduced bilirubin conjugation in newborn livers?

    <p>Limited production of glucuronyl transferase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is enterohepatic circulation accentuated in newborns?

    <p>The enzyme β-glucuronidase converts conjugated bilirubin into the unconjugated form, which is then reabsorbed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a long-term effect of severe bilirubin encephalopathy in a child?

    <p>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes physiologic jaundice in newborns?

    <p>It is typically mild and self-limited. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the reduced plasma-binding capacity for bilirubin in newborns?

    <p>Lower albumin concentrations compared to older children (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which feeding aids in reducing bilirubin levels in newborns?

    <p>By stimulating peristalsis and promoting the excretion of meconium containing bilirubin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of bacteria introduced by feeding in bilirubin metabolism?

    <p>Bacteria in the gut reduce bilirubin to urobilinogen for excretion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key reason that early breastfeeding can lead to breastfeeding-associated jaundice?

    <p>Decreased caloric and fluid intake prevents adequate production of hepatic binding proteins and reduces bilirubin clearance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are supplemental fluids like glucose water or water not recommended to enhance bilirubin excretion?

    <p>They do not enhance bilirubin excretion and may delay the excretion process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically causes prolonged jaundice starting around the fourth day in breastfed infants?

    <p>Factors in breast milk that may inhibit conjugation or excretion of bilirubin. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors found in breast milk may play a role to cause jaundice in some infants?

    <p>Pregnanediol, fatty acids, and β-glucuronidase. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Jaundice presenting within the first 24 hours is most likely caused by:

    <p>Hemolytic disease of the newborn, sepsis, or maternal diseases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does physiological jaundice typically peak in newborns?

    <p>The third to fifth day of life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In ABO incompatibility, what causes the destruction of fetal red blood cells?

    <p>Maternal antibodies crossing the placenta and attaching to fetal cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which maternal blood type poses the highest risk for ABO incompatibility in a neonate?

    <p>Type O (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does ABO incompatibility typically differ from Rh incompatibility in its initial presentation?

    <p>ABO incompatibility is less severe and may occur in the first pregnancy, while Rh usually does not (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the immediate cause of jaundice in a newborn with HDN?

    <p>The liver's inability to conjugate and excrete excess bilirubin due to hemolysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is hydrops most likely to be evident in a newborn with HDN?

    <p>Only in severe cases of HDN (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a maternal antibody titer (indirect Coombs test) early in prenatal care?

    <p>To identify potential maternal antibodies that may cause incompatibility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Besides fetal blood type, what additional information can be obtained using amniocentesis with polymerase chain reaction in a woman with a positive antibody screen?

    <p>Fetal blood type, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and presence of maternal antibodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason for testing paternal zygosity at the Rh gene locus?

    <p>To allow for earlier detection of potential isoimmunization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of detecting cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal plasma of Rh-negative women?

    <p>To detect antigens of an Rh-positive fetus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Serial Doppler ultrasound of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak velocity is considered the gold standard for:

    <p>Measuring fetal hemoglobin levels and identifying fetal anemia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods is used to assess erythroblastosis fetalis by evaluating the amniotic fluid?

    <p>Delta OD 450 test (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The direct Coombs test on a newborn is used to detect:

    <p>Antibodies attached to the circulating erythrocytes of the infant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following findings is most indicative of ABO incompatibility in a newborn?

    <p>Jaundice within the first 24 hours, elevated bilirubin, RBC spherocytosis, and increased erythrocyte production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might the direct Coombs test be less conclusive in cases of ABO incompatibility compared to Rh incompatibility?

    <p>The test can have false negative results in ABO incompatibility. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim in the therapeutic management of isoimmunization?

    <p>Prevention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these scenarios would most likely indicate the need for an exchange transfusion in a newborn with isoimmunization?

    <p>When phototherapy fails to decrease bilirubin concentrations with ABO incompatibility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of an exchange transfusion in neonates?

    <p>To remove sensitized erythrocytes and lower serum bilirubin levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected duration of an exchange transfusion procedure?

    <p>2 hours (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which complication is NOT associated with exchange transfusion?

    <p>Dehydration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much donor blood is typically used during a double-volume exchange transfusion?

    <p>Double the infant's blood volume (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is monitored in the neonate during the exchange transfusion procedure?

    <p>Vital signs and hypocalcemia signs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could happen if there is inadequate replacement of blood during the exchange transfusion?

    <p>Decreased blood pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an important pre-procedure laboratory study for exchange transfusion?

    <p>Complete Blood Count (CBC) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What medication is commonly used to treat hypocalcemia during the exchange transfusion?

    <p>Calcium gluconate 10% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Hyperbilirubinemia

    An excessive level of bilirubin in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and other organs. It's common in newborns, but extreme levels can signify a serious problem.

    Bilirubin

    The breakdown product of hemoglobin from red blood cell destruction. It exists in two forms: unconjugated (insoluble) and conjugated (soluble).

    Conjugation

    The process of converting unconjugated bilirubin into conjugated bilirubin. This makes it soluble and excretable.

    Excretion

    The process of removing bilirubin from the body through urine and stool. This happens after the bilirubin is conjugated.

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    Liver

    The organ responsible for conjugating bilirubin and excreting it into bile.

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    Physiologic Jaundice

    Jaundice in newborns that is not caused by any disease. It's due to the baby's liver still developing and not being able to break down bilirubin efficiently.

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    Bilirubin Encephalopathy

    A condition where the brain is affected by high levels of bilirubin, leading to neurological problems.

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    Higher RBC turnover in newborns

    Red blood cells in newborns have a shorter lifespan, leading to more bilirubin production

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    Reduced Glucuronyl Transferase activity in newborns

    The enzyme in the liver that helps break down bilirubin is not fully developed in newborns, leading to slower bilirubin processing.

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    Enterohepatic Circulation

    The process by which bilirubin is broken down in the intestines and reabsorbed back into the blood, prolonging jaundice.

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    Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

    A common side effect of bilirubin encephalopathy that causes involuntary muscle movements.

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    Long-term consequences of Bilirubin Encephalopathy

    Long-term effects of untreated or severe bilirubin encephalopathy.

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    ABO Incompatibility

    Incompatibility in blood types between the mother and fetus, specifically when the mother has type O blood and the baby has type A or B blood. Maternal antibodies attack the fetal red blood cells, causing hemolysis.

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    Hemolysis

    The breakdown of red blood cells. This releases bilirubin into the bloodstream.

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    Hydrops fetalis

    A condition where the fetus is swollen due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, including blood incompatibility.

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    Bilirubin Conjugation

    The process of converting unconjugated bilirubin (insoluble) into conjugated bilirubin (soluble) in the liver. This allows for excretion.

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    Bilirubin Excretion

    The process of removing bilirubin from the body, primarily through the urine and stool. It occurs after bilirubin is conjugated.

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    Maternal Antibody Titer

    A test that measures the level of antibodies in the mother's blood that can harm the fetus. It's often done during pregnancy.

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    How feeding helps reduce bilirubin

    Feeding plays a crucial role in reducing bilirubin levels in newborns. It increases peristalsis, leading to more frequent meconium passage, which minimizes unconjugated bilirubin reabsorption. Additionally, bacteria introduced through feeding help convert bilirubin to urobilinogen, a form easily excretable in urine and feces.

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    Colostrum's role in reducing bilirubin

    Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, acts as a laxative, aiding in the expulsion of meconium, the infant's first stool. This process helps to decrease the absorption of bilirubin.

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    What causes Breastfeeding Associated Jaundice?

    Breastfeeding-associated jaundice, occurring in the first few days of life, is primarily linked to insufficient caloric and fluid intake by the infant before the milk supply is well established. This can lead to decreased hepatic clearance of bilirubin and interfere with its conjugation.

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    How does low caloric intake affect bilirubin?

    When a newborn doesn't have adequate caloric intake, the production of hepatic binding proteins decreases, resulting in higher bilirubin levels. This is one of the reasons why breastfeeding-associated jaundice occurs.

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    What is the primary cause of Breastfeeding Associated Jaundice?

    Breastfeeding-associated jaundice is mainly caused by enterohepatic shunting, a process where bilirubin is recycled instead of being eliminated. This happens because the infant's gut isn't yet fully developed to break down bilirubin efficiently.

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    Should supplemental fluids be given for breastfeeding-associated jaundice?

    While supplemental fluids like glucose water might seem helpful, they don't actually enhance bilirubin excretion. In fact, they can delay the process. The best approach is to encourage frequent breastfeeding to increase bowel movements and monitor bilirubin levels closely.

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    What is Breast Milk Jaundice?

    Breast milk jaundice, a type of jaundice that appears around the fourth day of life, is characterized by high bilirubin levels that persist for several weeks but don't pose a health risk. It might be due to substances in breast milk that interfere with bilirubin conjugation or excretion.

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    How to differentiate jaundice types

    Jaundice in the first 24 hours is usually an indicator of serious conditions like hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), sepsis, or maternal complications like diabetes or infections. In contrast, physiologic jaundice, which appears on the second or third day and peaks around the fifth day, is a normal physiological process.

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    Direct Coombs Test

    A blood test that checks for antibodies attached to red blood cells (RBCs). A positive test indicates the presence of Rh-positive antibodies in the mother's blood, which can be harmful to an Rh-positive fetus.

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    Indirect Coombs Test

    A blood test that determines the presence and level of Rh antibodies in a mother's blood. These antibodies are produced when an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood, often during pregnancy or childbirth.

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    Erythroblastosis fetalis

    A condition in a newborn caused by Rh incompatibility, where maternal Rh antibodies destroy fetal red blood cells, leading to anemia, jaundice, and other complications.

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    Amniotic fluid

    A colorless fluid that surrounds a developing fetus inside the amniotic sac. It can be tested to determine bilirubin levels and other indicators of fetal health.

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    Amniocentesis

    A procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid for testing. This fluid can be analyzed to assess fetal health and detect various conditions like Rh incompatibility.

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    Phototherapy

    A common treatment for newborns with high bilirubin levels caused by Rh incompatibility or other factors. This helps to break down bilirubin and reduce jaundice.

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    Exchange transfusion

    A procedure to replace a newborn's blood with donor blood. This is a more invasive treatment for severe cases of Rh incompatibility or ABO incompatibility when other treatments fail.

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    Sensitized Erythrocytes

    Erythrocytes (red blood cells) coated with antibodies that trigger the immune system to destroy them. These cause excessive bilirubin build-up.

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    Hypocalcemia

    A deficiency in blood calcium, a common complication of exchange transfusion, characterized by irritability, tachycardia, and prolonged QT interval on ECG.

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    Inferior Vena Cava

    The main vein carrying blood back to the heart, where the catheter is threaded during an exchange transfusion.

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    UVC Placement

    The procedure of inserting a catheter into the umbilical vein and guiding it into the inferior vena cava.

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    Severe Hyperbilirubinemia

    A life-threatening condition resulting from rapid, uncontrolled increases in serum bilirubin levels, requiring urgent intervention such as exchange transfusion.

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    Clot Formation

    A common complication of exchange transfusion caused by clotting within blood vessels, potentially affecting blood flow and organ function.

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    Study Notes

    Neonatal Jaundice (NNJ)

    • NNJ, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the blood, leading to a yellowish discoloration of the skin and organs (jaundice or icterus).

    Lecture Objectives

    • Describe bilirubin metabolism.
    • Understand the clinical significance of hyperbilirubinemia.
    • Learn the diagnostic approach and further work-up.
    • Differentiate between indirect and direct hyperbilirubinemia.
    • Develop differential diagnoses for each type.
    • Understand management options for each type.

    Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Caused by an imbalance in bilirubin production and elimination.
    • Bilirubin must be conjugated in the liver to be cleared from the body.
    • Conjugated bilirubin is excreted in bile and eliminated through urine and stool.

    Bilirubin Metabolism

    • Results from red blood cell (RBC) destruction.
    • Hemoglobin breaks down into heme and globin.
    • Heme is converted to unconjugated bilirubin, an insoluble substance bound to albumin.
    • In the liver, bilirubin detaches from albumin and is conjugated with glucuronic acid, forming a soluble substance (conjugated bilirubin glucuronide) that's excreted in bile.
    • In the intestine, bacteria convert conjugated bilirubin to urobilinogen, which gives feces its color.
    • Most bilirubin is excreted in the feces.

    Definition of Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Refers to an excessive level of accumulated bilirubin in the blood.
    • Characterized by a yellowish discoloration of skin and organs (jaundice or icterus).
    • Usually benign in newborns but can indicate a pathologic state in extreme cases.

    Pathophysiology of NNJ

    • Bilirubin is a byproduct of RBC breakdown.
    • Unconjugated bilirubin is insoluble and bound to albumin.
    • The liver conjugates bilirubin, making it soluble and excretable.
    • The intestines further process bilirubin for excretion.

    Possible Causes of Hyperbilirubinemia in Newborns

    • Physiological factors (immaturity, increased bilirubin load from RBC breakdown, enterohepatic shunting).
    • Breastfeeding (decreased milk intake, increased enterohepatic circulation).
    • Breast milk jaundice (factors in breast milk that prevent bilirubin conjugation).
    • Hemolytic disease (blood incompatibility).
    • Other conditions (e.g., G6PD deficiency, hypothyroidism, galactosemia).
    • Genetic predisposition to increased production.

    Types of Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Indirect/unconjugated: Fat-soluble; more common in newborns.
    • Direct/conjugated: Water-soluble.

    Types of Newborn Jaundice

    • Physiological jaundice (common, benign). Onset: 24 hours (longer in pre-term infants); peaks on day 2-5, resolving by day 7-10.
    • Breast-feeding jaundice (early onset). Onset : day 3-4; peaks 3-5 days
    • Breast milk jaundice (late onset). Onset: day 4; peaks day 10-15.
    • Hemolytic disease. Onset: First 24 hours; peaks variable; duration depends on treatment.
    • Other causes.

    Therapy for Physiologic Jaundice

    • Increase feeding frequency to stimulate bowel movements.
    • Avoid supplements (water, dextrose water, formula).
    • Monitor bilirubin levels (TcB or TSB).
    • Perform risk assessment.
    • Use phototherapy for significantly elevated bilirubin levels.

    Therapy for Breastfeeding Jaundice

    • Frequent breastfeeding is key.
    • Supplements are not usually recommended.
    • Evaluate stooling pattern, and perform risk assessment.
    • Consider temporary cessation of breastfeeding (with medical advice) if phototherapy is necessary.

    Therapy for Breast Milk Jaundice

    • Continue frequent breastfeeding.
    • Avoid supplements.
    • Evaluate benefits and harm before temporarily discontinuing breastfeeding.
    • The goal is to encourage frequent breastfeeding.

    Therapy for Hemolytic Disease

    • Monitor bilirubin levels.
    • Administer phototherapy.
    • Consider intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
    • Perform exchange transfusion if severe.

    Complications

    • Bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus) is a serious complication of severe hyperbilirubinemia, causing brain damage.
    • Symptoms range from subtle to severe and can lead to permanent neurological problems.

    Risk Assessment for Pathological Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of birth.
    • Elevated serum bilirubin level (or transcutaneous bilirubin).
    • Blood group incompatibility (positive Direct Coombs test).
    • Hereditary hemolytic disease (e.g., G6PD deficiency).
    • Premature infants (gestational age 35-36 weeks).
    • East Asian or Asian-American race.
    • Cephalhematoma or bruising.
    • Exclusive breastfeeding (especially infants with feeding difficulty or significant weight loss).
    • Family history of hyperbilirubinemia.
    • Unrecognized hemolysis, UDP glucoronyl transferase deficiency

    Diagnostic Evaluation for NNJ

    • Bilirubin level (TSB or TcB).
    • History (pregnancy and delivery, family history, feeding method).
    • Physical exam (bruising, hydration).
    • Risk assessment.
    • Further studies may include blood type, Coombs test, complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, albumin levels, liver function tests (LFTs), thyroid function tests (TFTs), and imaging.

    Jaundice Assessment Tools

    • Visual assessment of jaundice (Kramer's Index): based on the progression of jaundice from head to toe (higher numbers indicate more severe jaundice).

    Treatment for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Maintain serum bilirubin levels below the high-risk zone on the hour-specific bilirubin nomogram.

    Treatment for Hemolytic Disease

    • Phototherapy.
    • Exchange transfusion.

    Medications for Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Phenobarbital (promotes bilirubin conjugation).
    • Heme oxygenase inhibitors (reduce bilirubin production).
    • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

    Intrauterine Transfusion

    • Infusion of blood into the umbilical vein of the fetus.
    • Used when severe fetal anemia is diagnosed via serial Doppler assessments.
    • Helps raise the fetal hematocrit.

    Exchange Transfusion

    • Standard therapy for severe hyperbilirubinemia unresponsive to phototherapy.
    • Removes affected blood cells and bilirubin.
    • Replacement with donor blood.

    Risk/Complications of Exchange Transfusion

    • Cardiac and respiratory disturbances.
    • Shock.
    • Electrolyte imbalances (hypo/hyperkalemia, hypo/hypermagnesemia, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia hypocalcemia).
    • Infections.
    • Clot formation, air embolism, portal hypertension

    Management of Breastfeeding Jaundice

    • Encourage frequent breastfeeding.

    Nursing Care Management

    • Evaluate jaundice regularly and use Kramer's Index.
    • Assess hydration, feedings and avoid water supplementation.

    Prevention of Rh Isoimmunization

    • Administration of Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) to Rh-negative women within 72 hours (or up to 3-4 weeks) of childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or any event that could expose the mother to fetal red blood cells.

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    Neonatal Jaundice PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the metabolism of bilirubin and its implications in newborns, including jaundice and bilirubin encephalopathy. Test your knowledge on the enzymatic processes, effects, and symptoms associated with bilirubin in infants.

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