Physiological jaundice in a term baby lasts upto: March 2005 & September 2010
High-Yield Explanation
Ans. C: 10 days Characteristics of physiological jaundice: First appears between 24-72 hours of age Maximum intensity seen on 4-5th day in term and 7th day in preterm neonates Clinically undetectable after 14 days No treatment is required but baby should be observed closely for signs of worsening jaundice. Hyperbilirubinemia in the first week of life is usually of the indirect variety. Causes are usually classified based on the time of onset of jaundice. Appearing within 24 hours of age: -- Hemolytic disease of newborn: Rh, ABO and minor group incompatibility Infections: intrauterine viral, bacterial; malaria -- G-6PD deficiency Appearing between 24-72 hours of life: - Physiological - Sepsis neonatorum Polycythemia - Concealed hemorrhages: cephalhematoma, subarachnoid bleed, IVH -- Increased enterohepatic circulation Appearing after 72 hours: -- Sepsis neonatorum' - Neonatal hepatitis Extra hepatic biliary atresia - Breast milk jaundice - Metabolic disorders