Definition of Pathologic Jaundice

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.