Paediatrics: Neonatal Jaundice: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Jaundice in the Newborn Period🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common neonatal condition – perfect for exam prep and real-life paediatrics.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Yellow discolouration of the skin and sclera in newborns due to elevated bilirubin.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Physiological jaundice – most common, appears after 24 hrs• Pathological jaundice – appears <24 hrs or persists >2–3 weeks• Causes include:• Hemolysis (ABO/Rh incompatibility, G6PD)• Infection (sepsis, TORCH)• Liver disease or biliary atresia• Breast milk jaundice• Hypothyroidism, galactosaemia• Prematurity, poor feeding, male sex, East Asian ethnicity🧠 Mnemonic: “PIP HI BIL”Physiological, Infection, PathologicalHemolysis, Immature liverBreast milk, Inherited issues, Liver disease📌 Pathophysiology• ↑ RBC breakdown → ↑ unconjugated bilirubin• Liver immaturity → ↓ conjugation• ↓ Excretion (e.g. poor feeding) → Reabsorption of bilirubin• In conjugated jaundice, processed bilirubin can’t be excreted → liver or bile duct pathology📌 Symptoms• Yellowing from head to toe• Lethargy, poor feeding• Pale stools & dark urine (conjugated)• Severe: hypotonia, arching, seizures = ⚠️ bilirubin encephalopathy🧠 Mnemonic: “YELLOW”Yawning (lethargy)Eyes/sclera yellowLoss of toneLate feedingOverwhelming sleepinessWarning signs (neuro)📌 Differential Diagnosis• Neonatal sepsis• Biliary atresia• Galactosaemia• Hypothyroidism• Neonatal hepatitis• G6PD deficiency📌 Diagnosis• Transcutaneous bilirubin (initial)• Serum bilirubin if risk factors present• Total + conjugated levels• Additional: Coombs test, FBC, reticulocyte count, LFTs, TFTs, TORCH screen, red cell enzymes• Imaging (e.g. liver US, HIDA) if conjugated or prolonged jaundice🧠 Tip: Bilirubin within 24 hrs = urgent red flag 🚨📌 Management• Monitor levels on age + gestation charts• Urgent referral if:• Appears <24 hrs• Prolonged >14 days (term), >21 days (preterm)• Conjugated component present• Support feeding + hydration• Phototherapy: blue light → isomerisation of bilirubin• Exchange transfusion if bilirubin dangerously high or neuro signs🧠 Mnemonic: “SPOT”Support feedingPhototherapyOvernight monitoringTransfusion if severe📌 Complications• Kernicterus – bilirubin encephalopathy• Neurodevelopmental delay• Cerebral palsy, hearing loss📌 Prognosis• 🌟 Excellent in most physiological cases• Prompt treatment → avoids complications• Early surgery in biliary atresia improves outcomes📎 More MSRA Resources for Jaundice in the Newborn Period📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/jaundice-in-the-newborn-period-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/jaundice-in-the-newborn-period-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/jaundice-in-the-newborn-period-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/jaundice-in-the-newborn-period-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAQuiz #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Paediatrics #JaundiceInTheNewbornPeriod