Open AccessA 6-Day-Old Newborn with Vomiting and Jaundice
Author(s) -
Nkechi Okotcha,
Abbie Biggers,
Jonathan G. Martin,
Raphael Mattamal
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of integrative pediatrics and environmental medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2368-4275
DOI - 10.36013/ijipem.v6i.88
Subject(s) - kernicterus , jaundice , medicine , vomiting , bilirubin , etiology , gastroenterology , pediatrics , encephalopathy
Sixty percent of term neonates and 80% of preterms have jaundice within the first week of life. Jaundice can be pathologic or physiologic, indirect, or direct. Indirect jaundice can be neurotoxic at high levels. In its most severe form, this presents as acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. Screening for jaundice using a transcutaneous bilirubin check or serum bilirubin has contributed tremendously to the reduction of kernicterus, which ranges from 0.5-1.3/100,000 births. Often, the etiology is easy to decipher. Otherwise, it may be complicated when there are several factors contributing. We present a case of a 6-day-old with jaundice and vomiting who was suffering from intestinal malrotation and a urinary tract infection.