Neonatal jaundice physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Overview

Patients with neoanatal jaundice usually appear drowsy in severe cases. Physical examination of patients with neonatal jaundice is usually remarkable for yellow skin, petichia, yellow eye, hepatomegaly, seizures, and microcephaly in some cases.

Physical Examination

Complete physical exam including evidence of hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and palpable gallbladder.

Appearance of the patient

Patients with neonatal jaundice may appear drowsy in severe cases.^[1]

Skin

Yellow skin due to deposition of bilirubin^[2]
Petichia

Eyes

Jaundice is usually best seen in the periphery of the conjunctiva

Abdomen

Hepatomegaly may be present

Neurologic

A flapping tremor may be present
Changes in muscle tone
Seizures
Microcephaly in some cases

References

↑ Moyer VA, Ahn C, Sneed S (2000). “Accuracy of clinical judgment in neonatal jaundice”. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 154 (4): 391–4. PMID 10768679.
↑ Moyer VA, Ahn C, Sneed S (2000). “Accuracy of clinical judgment in neonatal jaundice”. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 154 (4): 391–4. PMID 10768679.

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[pmid107686792-1] Moyer VA, Ahn C, Sneed S (2000). “Accuracy of clinical judgment in neonatal jaundice”. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 154 (4): 391–4. PMID 10768679.

[pmid10768679-2] Moyer VA, Ahn C, Sneed S (2000). “Accuracy of clinical judgment in neonatal jaundice”. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 154 (4): 391–4. PMID 10768679.

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