Neonatal Hepatitis

Neonatal hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that results in jaundice, poor growth, and an enlarged liver. It can be a congenital or an early-acquired infection. This infection leads to direct hyperbilirubinaemia. Organisms can be transmitted transplacentally, via cervical ascent,…

Dubin-Johnson Syndrome

Dubin-Johnson syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition that is caused by a mutation of the MRP2 channel, which transports conjugated bilirubin into the bile canaliculi. It results in conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. It is typically asymptomatic and usually presents in teenage years…

Criggler-Najjar Syndrome

Criggler-Najjar syndrome is caused by a deficiency or absence of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1), which leads to unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Types of Criggler-Najjar Syndrome Type Description Criggler-Najjar Type I Absence of UGT1A1, resulting in inability to conjugate bilirubin (Indirect hyperbilirubinemia). It does not…

ABO Incompatibility

ABO incompatibility is caused by maternal anti-ABO antibodies attacking fetal RBCs, causing hemolysis. It is more common, but less severe than Rh incompatibility – the majority of cases are clinically undetectable. 20% of all pregnancies are of a type O…

Rhesus Incompatibility

Rhesus incompatibility results from maternal anti-Rh antibodies binding to fetal RBCs, causing hemolysis. It ranges from moderate hemolytic anaemia to hydrops fetalis (stillbirth) Definition of terms Term Definition Erythroblastosis fetalis This is a life-threatening anaemia due to severe hemolysis. It…

Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)

Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is an inflammation of the tracheobronchial airway. It has a more severe presentation, particularly in young infants who have a narrower airway. Croup accounts for up to 15% of pediatric URTI Emergency Department visits. It…