Difference between Pathological and Physiological Jaundice: Jaundice in newborns can be classified into Physiological and Pathological types. Physiological Jaundice, occurring after 24 hours of birth and resolving within two weeks, is usually benign, arising from the infant's immature liver function. On the other hand, Physiological Jaundice manifests within the first day or persists beyond two weeks, indicating underlying medical conditions such as hemolytic disease or infections.
Difference between Pathological and Physiological Jaundice
Physiological Jaundice stems from immature liver function, resolving within two weeks. Physiological Jaundice, appearing within the first day or persisting beyond two weeks, signals underlying medical conditions, demanding prompt intervention. The table below provides the differences between Pathological and Physiological Jaundice.
| Criteria | Physiological Jaundice | Physiological Jaundice |
| Timing | Appears after the first 24 hours of birth | Appears within the first 24 hours of birth |
| Cause | Normal Physiological process | Underlying medical condition or disease |
| Duration | Resolves within 1-2 weeks without treatment | May persist beyond 2 weeks, and require medical intervention |
| Bilirubin levels | usually < 12 mg/dL | Often > 12 mg/dL |
| Associated factors | Breastfeeding, immature liver function | Blood group incompatibility, liver disease, infection, genetic disorders |
| Treatment | Usually, no treatment is required, may resolve with increased feeding or phototherapy | Treatment aimed at underlying causes, such as blood transfusion, phototherapy, medication |
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What is Physiological Jaundice?
Physiological Jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, occurs when there's an obstruction in the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile from the liver into the intestines. Bile contains bilirubin, a waste product produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin is excreted from the body through faces.
Features of Physiological Jaundice
- Persistence: Unlike Physiological Jaundice, which usually appears within a few days after birth and resolves within a week or two without intervention, Physiological Jaundice persists beyond this timeframe.
- Severity: Physiological Jaundice often manifests as more pronounced yellowing of the skin, sclera (white part of the eyes), and mucous membranes compared to Physiological Jaundice.
- Onset: It may occur shortly after birth or develop later in infancy or adulthood, depending on the underlying cause.
- Associated Symptoms: Depending on the underlying condition, individuals with Physiological Jaundice may experience additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, dark urine, and pale stools.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, including measurements of total and direct bilirubin levels, liver function tests, and tests for underlying conditions such as hemolytic anaemia or liver disease, are usually conducted to diagnose and characterize Physiological Jaundice.
What is Physiological Jaundice?
Physiological Jaundice is a common condition in newborns characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells and is normally processed by the liver and excreted in the bile.
Features of Physiological Jaundice
- Timing: Physiological Jaundice usually appears within the first few days after birth, usually between days 2 to 4. It is considered a normal phenomenon in newborns.
- Gradual Onset: The yellowing of the skin and eyes associated with Physiological Jaundice usually starts on the face and then progresses downwards to the chest, abdomen, and extremities. The progression is gradual.
- Bilirubin Levels: Bilirubin levels in newborns with Physiological Jaundice are generally lower compared to those seen in Physiological Jaundice. While bilirubin levels may rise, they usually peak within the first week of life and then gradually decrease.
- Absence of Other Symptoms: Newborns with Physiological Jaundice are usually otherwise healthy and do not exhibit signs of illness or distress. They continue to feed well and gain weight.
- Resolution: Physiological Jaundice tends to resolve on its own without specific treatment within one to two weeks after birth. As bilirubin levels decrease, the yellowing of the skin and eyes fades.
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Similarities between Pathological and Physiological Jaundice
- Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: Both Physiological and Physiological Jaundice result in the yellowing of the skin and sclera due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood.
- Occurrence in Newborns: Both types of jaundice primarily affect newborn infants, although they may occur for different reasons.
- Bilirubin Accumulation: In both cases, the yellowing occurs due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. In Physiological Jaundice, this is often due to factors such as increased red blood cell breakdown or immature liver function, while in Physiological Jaundice, it is usually caused by an underlying medical condition affecting bilirubin metabolism or excretion.
The differences between Physiological and Physiological Jaundice are crucial for appropriate management and treatment. While Physiological Jaundice generally resolves without intervention, Physiological Jaundice requires identification and treatment of the underlying cause to prevent complications.
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