Jaundice that poses a higher-than-normal risk to a baby is known as pathologic jaundice. The disease is more dangerous than physiologic jaundice, which commonly appears in healthy babies who are 2 or 3 days old, according to Parenting Weekly. Pathologic jaundice can reach higher levels and last longer than physiologic jaundice.
Causes
Pathologic jaundice can be caused by a number of factors, including blood or liver diseases, infections, genetic issues or physiologic jaundice that worsens over time.
Symptoms
Besides the typical symptoms associated with jaundice, including yellowing of the skin and eyes, a baby suffering from pathologic jaundice may display other symptoms. According to Parenting Weekly, those symptoms may include vomiting, dark urine, lethargy, weight loss and abnormal body temperature.
Treatment
Once diagnosed by a health-care professional, pathologic jaundice is typically treated with phototherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, phototherapy helps the body eliminate the waste product. A blood transfusion is used in rare cases.
Those at Risk
According to Parenting Weekly, jaundice can cause problems for babies with certain risk factors. Babies who are born before 37 weeks, have a different blood type than the mother or weigh less than 5 lbs. and 8 oz. at birth may be at a higher risk for complications.
Warnings
Jaundice developed during the first 24 hours of life is considered serious, according to Baby Center. If your baby is diagnosed with jaundice, it is important to contact your health-care provider if your baby becomes hard to wake up or does not want to eat.
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