Which of the following is the most suggestive of hemolysis as a cause for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to identify which of the provided options is most indicative of hemolysis as the cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells, which releases bilirubin and can lead to hyperbilirubinemia (high bilirubin levels) in newborns.
Answer
Rapid bilirubin increase and blood group incompatibilities.
Suggestive signs of hemolysis as a cause for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia include a rapid rate of bilirubin increase and blood group incompatibilities (ABO, Rh).
Answer for screen readers
Suggestive signs of hemolysis as a cause for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia include a rapid rate of bilirubin increase and blood group incompatibilities (ABO, Rh).
More Information
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia refers to high levels of bilirubin in newborns. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down, and hemolysis is the excessive destruction of red blood cells. Because newborns have more red blood cells, they may experience hyperbilirubinemia.
Tips
Look for rapid increases in bilirubin levels, as physiological jaundice is more gradual. Also, consider blood group incompatibilities between mother and child.
Sources
- Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia - Pediatrics - Merck Manuals - merckmanuals.com
- Neonatal Jaundice: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology - emedicine.medscape.com
- [PDF] Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Clinical Pathway - hopkinsmedicine.org
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
