hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn
Noun: A medical condition, specifically a form of hyperbilirubinemia (excessive bilirubin in the blood), that is common in newborn infants. It is typically caused by the physiological immaturity of the newborn's liver, which is not yet fully efficient at processing bilirubin. This condition often resolves on its own without medical intervention.
This term is used exclusively in medical and clinical contexts to describe a specific, common neonatal condition. * The pediatrician monitored the infant for hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn. * Hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn is a frequent reason for readmission in the first week of life.
- The term is often discussed in the context of physiological jaundice, which is the visible yellowing of the skin and eyes resulting from this condition.
- It is distinguished from more severe or pathological forms of hyperbilirubinemia that may have different causes, such as blood group incompatibility (e.g., Rh disease) or infections.
- Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A synonymous term.
- Physiological jaundice: The visible manifestation commonly associated with hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn.
- Bilirubin (n): The yellow pigment, a breakdown product of red blood cells, whose elevated level defines this condition.
- Jaundice (n): The clinical sign (yellow discoloration) caused by high bilirubin levels.
- Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
- Physiological jaundice (refers to the common, self-limiting form)
- There is no direct antonym, but it is contrasted with pathological hyperbilirubinemia or severe neonatal jaundice, which indicates a more serious underlying problem requiring treatment.
This is a highly specialized medical term. In general or parental communication, healthcare providers more commonly use the term jaundice or newborn jaundice to describe the condition, reserving hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn for formal diagnosis and technical discussion.
- a common disorder that is usually due to immaturity of the liver; usually subsides spontaneously