Final answer:
Late onset jaundice, or breast milk jaundice, is a common condition in newborns, characterized by increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood that cause yellowing of the skin and eyes. It usually presents after the first week of life and is associated with breast milk feeding. Monitoring is essential, but the condition often resolves on its own without treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Late Onset Jaundice (Breast Milk Jaundice)
Late onset jaundice, also known as breast milk jaundice, typically appears in a newborn after the first week of life, peaking at around two weeks and resolving slowly over weeks to months. This type of jaundice is characterized by an increase in blood bilirubin levels, specifically the unconjugated form, which can cause the skin and the whites of the eyes to appear yellow. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to factors in the breast milk that inhibit the conjugation or increase the reabsorption of bilirubin. Unlike other forms of neonatal jaundice, breast milk jaundice is generally benign and resolves on its own without causing harm, although monitoring is essential to ensure bilirubin levels do not reach a dangerous threshold.
It is important to differentiate breast milk jaundice from other types of jaundice that can occur in newborns. Factors such as blood group incompatibility, an underlying liver problem, or an obstruction in the bile ducts can also cause jaundice, and these conditions may require different management strategies. Breast milk jaundice, while a reason for careful observation, typically does not require treatment beyond continued breastfeeding and monitoring of bilirubin levels. In some cases, if the bilirubin levels are particularly high, phototherapy may be employed to reduce the risk of bilirubin-induced neurological damage, known as kernicterus.