What causes pathological jaundice in children?

Pathological jaundice in children is mainly caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, environment, and disease. It is a manifestation of jaundice caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism in newborns, and requires accurate diagnosis and treatment based on the specific cause. Compared with physiological jaundice, pathological jaundice appears earlier, is more severe, lasts longer, and may have a serious impact on the baby's health.

Genetic factors are one of the common causes of pathological jaundice. For example, familial hereditary diseases such as red blood cell membrane disease (such as spherocytosis), abnormal enzyme deficiency (such as G6PD deficiency) or bilirubin metabolism disorders (such as Gilbert syndrome), these genetic defects can lead to abnormal bilirubin metabolism and cause it to accumulate in the blood. Environmental factors are closely related to maternal and fetal blood type incompatibility (such as ABO blood type or Rh blood type incompatibility), which can cause maternal antibodies to destroy newborn red blood cells, thereby increasing bilirubin production. Physiological changes such as underdeveloped liver function or bile duct compression may also lead to bilirubin processing disorders. Infectious causes such as intrauterine infection (Toxoplasma, Rubella virus, etc.) or postpartum infection will increase the level of bilirubin production. Certain major diseases, such as congenital biliary atresia, cholestasis or hemolytic diseases, are also causes that cannot be ignored.

The treatment of pathological jaundice usually includes the following methods: Phototherapy is the most common treatment method, which uses blue light of a specific wavelength to convert unconjugated bilirubin into easily excreted water-soluble substances and excrete them from the body. Babies with severe hemolysis may need transfusion therapy to reduce the concentration of bilirubin in the blood. For children with clear infection, antibiotic treatment can control the source of infection. When combined with drug treatment, enzyme inducers (such as phenobarbital) can be used as appropriate to assist in improving the liver's metabolic capacity. In home care, baby feeding should be strengthened to promote the excretion of bilirubin through the intestines. If breastfeeding is possible, sufficient milk should be ensured as much as possible.

Parents need to pay close attention to the degree of jaundice and mental state of their baby. If jaundice is found to affect the limbs or the baby is drowsy, cries weakly, refuses to feed, etc., they should seek medical attention immediately. Improving the quality of pregnancy management, timely screening of maternal and infant blood types, and controlling infections can effectively reduce the risk of pathological jaundice. Severe pathological jaundice may lead to bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus). Parents should intervene in time to prevent the disease from worsening and affecting the baby's healthy growth.