Differential Diagnosis for Jaundice in a 6-Day-Old Infant
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Physiological Jaundice: This is the most common cause of jaundice in newborns, especially in the first week of life. It occurs due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the liver's immaturity to process bilirubin.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Breast Milk Jaundice: Some breastfed babies may develop jaundice due to substances in the breast milk that can increase bilirubin levels. This typically presents in the first or second week of life.
- Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN): Although less common, HDN can cause significant jaundice due to the breakdown of red blood cells. It occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the baby.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Biliary Atresia: A serious condition where the bile ducts are blocked or absent, leading to severe jaundice. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Infections (e.g., Sepsis, Urinary Tract Infections): Infections can cause jaundice in newborns and are critical to diagnose promptly due to the risk of severe complications.
- Galactosemia: A genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk. It can cause jaundice, among other symptoms, and requires early diagnosis for proper management.
Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism can cause jaundice in newborns, although it is relatively rare.
- Congenital Infections (e.g., TORCH Infections): Infections like toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex can cause jaundice, among other symptoms, in newborns.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic disorder that can lead to liver disease and jaundice in infants.
- Neonatal Liver Diseases (e.g., Neonatal Hepatitis): Various liver conditions can cause jaundice in newborns, though they are less common.