Pathologic - Clinical
Pathologic jaundice
Clinical
Using the same scheme of bilirubin metabolism already discussed, one can construct a differential diagnosis for pathologic jaundice. This is defined as a serum bilirubin that exceeds the normal curve at the right. In addition, plotting the bilirubin on that same curve often will localize it to an area which is typical for specific groups of diagnoses. For example, pathologic jaundice in the first 24-48 hours of life is almost always due to disorders of bilirubin production (e.g., hemolytic disease of the newborn). Similarly, delayed jaundice, with bilirubins exceeding the curve after 10 days of age, is typical of hypothyroidism.Return to top of page