Neonatal jaundice is the yellow coloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

My baby is yellow (icteric), when and how should it be studied?

Any newborn with jaundice at 2 weeks of age should be studied by observation of stool color and determination of direct bilirubin to rule out Neonatal Cholestasis Cholestasis is defined as decreased biliary flow and retention in blood and tissues Of substances that are normally eliminated by bile such as bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Once the diagnosis of Cholestasis has been made, its cause must be studied. Anatomical disorders of the bile ducts (which are the pathways leading to bile and pancreatic secretion into the intestine) require surgical treatment (obstructive cholestasis).

Causes that cause impaired liver function of infectious, genetic, toxic or metabolic causes have medical, non-surgical treatment.

The way of presenting of both types of cholestasis is similar and often difficult to distinguish !!!

What are the manifestations that make consultation with the pediatrician or neonatologist necessary?

Symptoms occurring during the first month of life: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), warmth (clear, white stools), and coluria (dark colored urine) even when the child is well fed and weight gain .

What is atresia of bile ducts? Why is your early diagnosis important?

Biliary Atresia is the most frequent obstructive cause and occurs in 1 case of every 8,000 to 18,000 live births. Early diagnosis significantly changes the evolution of these patients. Surgical correction in a Center experienced before 2 months of life can recover biliary flow in 60 to 80% of cases. The lack of biliary flow is an indication of Liver Transplantation in the first years of life.

How can you detect it early?

Different strategies can be implemented for the early diagnosis of cholestasis. One form of detection is early recognition of hypo-occlusion (clear stools)

* Taken from the Argentine Society of Pediatrics.