Jaundice

Reviewed on 9/22/2022

What Is Jaundice?

Photo of a newborn being treated with light therapy for jaundice.
About three in five newborns have jaundice.

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes caused by increased amounts of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice is a sign of an underlying disease process.

  • Bilirubin is a by-product of the daily natural breakdown and destruction of red blood cells in the body.
  • The hemoglobin molecule that is released into the blood by this process is split, with the heme portion undergoing a chemical conversion to bilirubin.
  • Normally, the liver metabolizes and excretes the bilirubin in the form of bile.
  • However, if there is a disruption in this normal metabolism and/or production of bilirubin, jaundice may result.

What Diseases Cause Jaundice?

Jaundice may be caused by several different disease processes. It is helpful to understand the different causes of jaundice by identifying the problems that disrupt the normal bilirubin metabolism and/or excretion.

Pre-hepatic (before bile is made in the liver)

Jaundice in these cases is caused by rapid increase in the breakdown and destruction of the red blood cells (hemolysis), overwhelming the liver's ability to adequately remove the increased levels of bilirubin from the blood.

Examples of conditions with increased breakdown of red blood cells include:

  • malaria,
  • sickle cell crisis,
  • spherocytosis,
  • thalassemia,
  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD),
  • drugs or other toxins, and
  • autoimmune disorders.

Hepatic (the problem arises within the liver)

Jaundice in these cases is caused by the liver's inability to properly metabolize and excrete bilirubin. Examples include:

Post-hepatic (after bile has been made in the liver)

Jaundice in these cases, also termed obstructive jaundice, is caused by conditions which interrupt the normal drainage of conjugated bilirubin in the form of bile from the liver into the intestines.

Causes of obstructive jaundice include:

Jaundice in newborn babies can be caused by several different conditions, although it is often a normal physiological consequence of the newborn's immature liver. Even though it is usually harmless under these circumstances, newborns with excessively elevated levels of bilirubin from other medical conditions (pathologic jaundice) may suffer devastating brain damage (kernicterus) if the underlying problem is not addressed. Newborn jaundice is the most common condition requiring medical evaluation in newborns.

The following are some common causes of newborn jaundice:

Physiological jaundice

This form of jaundice is usually evident on the second or third day of life. It is the most common cause of newborn jaundice and is usually a transient and harmless condition. Jaundice is caused by the inability of the newborn's immature liver to process bilirubin from the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells that occurs at this age. As the newborn's liver matures, the jaundice eventually disappears.

Maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility (Rh, ABO)

This form of jaundice occurs when there is incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the fetus. This leads to increased bilirubin levels from the breakdown of the fetus' red blood cells (hemolysis).

Breast milk jaundice

This form of jaundice occurs in breastfed newborns and usually appears at the end of the first week of life. Certain chemicals in breast milk are thought to be responsible. It is usually a harmless condition that resolves spontaneously. Mothers typically do not have to discontinue breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding jaundice

This form of jaundice occurs when the breastfed newborn does not receive adequate breast milk intake. This may occur because of delayed or insufficient milk production by the mother or because of poor feeding by the newborn. This inadequate intake results in dehydration and fewer bowel movements for the newborn, with subsequently decreased bilirubin excretion from the body.

Cephalohematoma (a collection of blood under the scalp)

Sometimes during the birthing process, the newborn may sustain a bruise or injury to the head, resulting in a blood collection/blood clot under the scalp. As this blood is naturally broken down, suddenly elevated levels of bilirubin may overwhelm the processing capability of the newborn's immature liver, resulting in jaundice.

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Jaundice in Adults and Newborns?

Jaundice is a sign of an underlying disease process. .

Common signs and symptoms seen in individuals with jaundice include:

  1. yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes,
  2. light-colored stools,
  3. dark-colored urine, and
  4. itching of the skin.

The underlying disease process may result in additional signs and symptoms. These may include:

  1. nausea and vomiting,
  2. abdominal pain,
  3. fever,
  4. weakness,
  5. loss of appetite,
  6. headache,
  7. confusion,
  8. swelling of the legs and abdomen, and
  9. newborn jaundice.

Jaundice In newborns

As the bilirubin level rises, jaundice in newborns will typically progress from the head to the trunk, and then to the hands and feet. Additional signs and symptoms that may be seen in the newborn include:

  1. poor feeding,
  2. lethargy,
  3. changes in muscle tone,
  4. high-pitched crying, and
  5. seizures.

When Should You Call a Doctor for Jaundice?

  • Call a health care practitioner if you or your baby develops jaundice. Jaundice may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.
  • If you are unable to reach and be seen by your health care practitioner in a timely manner, go to the emergency department for further evaluation.

What Tests Diagnose Jaundice?

Once the diagnosis has been established, the health care practitioner will determine whether or not the patient requires a specialist (for example, gastroenterologist, hematologist/oncologist, general surgeon, etc.) to address their particular underlying medical condition. The patient should closely follow the health care practitioner's recommendations and treatment regimen. Additional blood testing and imaging studies may be required. Treatment depends on the cause of the underlying condition leading to jaundice and any potential complications related to it. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can then be directed to address that particular condition, and it may or may not require hospitalization.

The health care practitioner will need to take a detailed history of the patient's illness, and he or she will also be examined to see if there are any findings that indicate the cause of the patient's jaundice. However, additional testing is usually required to clearly determine the underlying cause of jaundice. The following tests and imaging studies may be obtained:

Blood tests

These may initially include a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (including a bilirubin level), lipase/amylase level to detect inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and an electrolytes panel. In women, a pregnancy test may be obtained. Additional blood tests may be required depending upon the initial results and the history provided to the practitioner.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is an analysis of the urine and is a very useful test in the diagnosis of screening many diseases.

Imaging Studies

  • Ultrasound: This is a safe, painless imaging study that uses sound waves to examine the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. It is very useful for detecting gallstones and dilated bile ducts. It can also detect abnormalities of the liver and the pancreas.
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan: ACT scan is imaging study similar to an X-ray that provides more details of all the abdominal organs. Though not as good as ultrasound at detecting gallstones, it can identify various other abnormalities of the liver, pancreas, and other abdominal organs as well.
  • Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan): A HIDA scan is an imaging study that uses a radioactive substance to evaluate the gallbladder and the bile ducts.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is an imaging study that uses a magnetic field to examine the organs of the abdomen. It can be useful for detailed imaging of the bile ducts.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that involves the introduction of an endoscope (a tube with a camera at the end) through the mouth and into the small intestine. A dye is then injected into the bile ducts while X-rays are taken. It can be useful for identifying stones, tumors, or narrowing of the bile ducts.
Liver Biopsy
  • In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the liver after a local anesthetic has been administered. Often ultrasound will be used to guide placement of the needle. The small sample of liver tissue which is obtained is sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist (a physician who specializes in the diagnosis of tissue samples). Among other things, a liver biopsy can be useful for diagnosing inflammation of the liver, cirrhosis, and cancer.

What Questions Should You Ask the Doctor About Jaundice?

  1. What is the cause of my jaundice? How can I learn more about it?
  2. Will I require any blood tests or imaging studies?
  3. What is the likely course of this illness? What is the long-term outlook?
  4. What are my treatment options? Will I require surgery or medications? Are there any medications I should avoid?
  5. If my symptoms worsen while at home, what should I do? When do I need to call you? When do I need to go to the emergency department?

What Are Jaundice Treatments?

Treatment depends on the cause of the underlying condition leading to jaundice and any potential complications related to it. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can then be directed to address that particular condition, and it may or may not require hospitalization.

  • Treatment may consist of expectant management (watchful waiting) at home with rest.
  • Medical treatment with intravenous fluids, medications, antibiotics, or blood transfusions may be required.
  • If a drug/toxin is the cause, these must be discontinued.
  • In certain cases of newborn jaundice, exposing the baby to special colored lights (phototherapy) or exchange blood transfusions may be required to decrease elevated bilirubin levels.
  • Surgical treatment may be required.

Depending on the cause of the patient's jaundice, he or she may require only a short-term follow-up with visits to the health care professional, or the patient may require lifelong close supervision by a physician. The patient should discuss the potential complications of the condition with their health care practitioner, and always seek medical attention if the symptoms recur or worsen.

What Medications and Procedures Treat Jaundice?

Treatment varies based on the medical condition responsible for causing jaundice, and the associated symptoms and complications. Treatments may include the following:

  • supportive care,
  • IV fluids in cases of dehydration,
  • medications for nausea/vomiting and pain,
  • antibiotics,
  • antiviral medications,
  • blood transfusions,
  • steroids,
  • chemotherapy/radiation therapy, and
  • phototherapy (newborns).

When Is Surgery Necessary to Treat Jaundice?

  • Surgical treatment may be necessary in certain cases of cancer, congenital malformations, conditions that obstruct the bile ducts, gallstones, and abnormalities of the spleen.
  • Sometimes, a liver transplant may be necessary.

How Can You Manage Jaundice Symptoms at Home?

The objectives of home therapy include symptom relief and managing the medical condition causing underlying jaundice. The various measures that may be undertaken include:

  • Maintain adequate hydration by drinking fluids, and rest as needed.
  • Take medications only as instructed and prescribed by a health care practitioner.
  • Avoid medications, herbs, or supplements which may cause detrimental side effects. Consult a health care practitioner for advice.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol until the patient has discussed it with their healthcare professional.
  • Certain dietary restrictions may be recommended by a health care practitioner.
  • In certain cases of newborn jaundice, the parents or caregivers can place the baby next to a well-lit window a few times a day to decrease elevated bilirubin levels. In more severe cases, a health care practitioner may need to discharge the baby home from the hospital with home phototherapy.
  • Provide adequate milk intake for the baby in cases of breastfeeding jaundice.
  • If symptoms worsen or if any new symptoms arise, consult a health care practitioner.

Is Jaundice Life-Threatening?

  • The prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
  • Some conditions are easily managed and carry an excellent prognosis, while others may become chronic and require lifelong physician supervision.
  • Unfortunately, some conditions causing jaundice may be fatal despite medical or surgical intervention.
  • Discuss the prognosis with a health care practitioner once a diagnosis has been established.

How Can You Prevent Jaundice?

The underlying medical condition causing jaundice can in some cases be prevented. Some preventive measures include the following:

  • Avoid heavy alcohol use (alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis).
  • Vaccines for hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B)
  • Take medications which prevent malaria before traveling to high-risk regions.
  • Avoid high-risk behaviors such as intravenous drug use or unprotected intercourse (hepatitis B).
  • Avoid potentially contaminated food/water and maintain good hygiene (hepatitis A).
  • Avoid medications that can cause hemolysis in susceptible individuals (such as those with G6PD deficiency, a condition that leads to red blood cell breakdown after consumption of certain substances).
  • Avoid medications and toxins which can cause hemolysis or directly damage the liver.

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Newborn Jaundice?

Jaundice does not produce any symptoms, but the underlying cause of jaundice may produce these symptoms and signs like:

  • Fever
  • Looks sick
  • A yellow appearance below the knees and over the palms of the newborn's hands.
Reviewed on 9/22/2022
References
Roy-Chowdhury, Namita, and Jayanta Roy-Chowdhury. "Classification and causes of jaundice or asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia." UpToDate. July 28, 2022. <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/classification-and-causes-of-jaundice-or-asymptomatic-hyperbilirubinemia>.