Question 1

What is Neonatal Hepatitis and Jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal hepatitis and jaundice are conditions affecting newborns characterized by liver inflammation and yellowing of the skin and eyes. They are caused by various factors including Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition where abnormal protein accumulates in liver cells causing damage. The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test is the most important test for identifying this genetic cause of neonatal liver disease.

Question 2

What causes neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal hepatitis and jaundice are caused by multiple factors including genetic disorders, infections, and metabolic conditions. Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency is a primary genetic cause where the liver produces abnormal or insufficient amounts of alpha-1-antitrypsin protein, leading to protein accumulation in liver cells and resulting inflammation. Other causes include viral infections like cytomegalovirus, bacterial infections, bile duct problems, and inherited metabolic disorders that prevent the liver from processing bilirubin properly in newborns.

Question 3

What is the best test for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test is the most important test for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice because it detects deficiencies in this critical protein that protects the liver from damage. When alpha-1-antitrypsin levels are low or the protein is abnormal, it accumulates in liver cells causing inflammation and jaundice in newborns. This blood test measures the exact amount of alpha-1-antitrypsin protein present, helping doctors identify if this genetic condition is the underlying cause of your baby's liver problems. Early identification through this test is essential for appropriate monitoring and management to prevent long-term liver and lung complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if your newborn shows yellowing of the skin or eyes that persists beyond two weeks of age, has dark urine or pale stools, shows poor feeding or weight gain, or has an enlarged liver or spleen detected during examination. Testing is especially important if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours after birth or if there is a family history of liver disease or Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. Early testing allows doctors to identify the specific cause and start appropriate treatment to prevent permanent liver damage.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptom is jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. Your baby may have dark yellow or brown urine and pale or clay-colored stools instead of the normal yellow-green color. Other symptoms include poor feeding, irritability, excessive sleepiness, poor weight gain or failure to thrive, and an enlarged liver or spleen that your doctor can feel during examination. Some babies may also have bleeding problems or bruising easily due to impaired liver function affecting blood clotting factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Newborns with a family history of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency or other genetic liver disorders are at higher risk. Babies born to mothers who had infections during pregnancy, including cytomegalovirus, rubella, or toxoplasmosis, face increased risk. Premature infants have less mature liver function and are more susceptible to jaundice. Babies with blood type incompatibility with the mother, those who experienced difficult births with bruising or bleeding, and infants with metabolic disorders or bile duct abnormalities also have elevated risk for developing neonatal hepatitis and jaundice.

Question 7

What happens if neonatal hepatitis and jaundice is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated neonatal hepatitis and jaundice can lead to severe and permanent complications. Extremely high bilirubin levels can cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage affecting hearing, vision, and motor skills. Chronic liver inflammation may progress to cirrhosis and permanent liver scarring, potentially requiring liver transplantation. In cases of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, untreated disease can cause progressive liver failure in childhood and increase the risk of lung disease later in life. Early detection through blood testing and prompt treatment are essential to prevent these serious long-term complications and ensure proper development.

Question 8

Can neonatal hepatitis and jaundice be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are fundamental for diagnosing neonatal hepatitis and jaundice and identifying their underlying causes. The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test specifically measures protein levels to detect genetic deficiencies. Additional blood tests measure bilirubin levels to assess jaundice severity, liver enzymes to evaluate liver function, and antibodies to check for infections. Blood typing helps identify immune-related causes, while metabolic screening tests detect inherited conditions. These blood tests, combined with clinical examination and imaging, provide a comprehensive picture of your baby's liver health and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is neonatal hepatitis and jaundice treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the underlying cause identified through blood testing. For jaundice, phototherapy uses special blue lights to break down excess bilirubin in the skin, while severe cases may require exchange transfusion to replace the baby's blood. If Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency is diagnosed, treatment focuses on supportive care, monitoring liver function, ensuring proper nutrition with specialized formulas, and managing complications. Infections are treated with appropriate medications, while bile duct problems may require surgical intervention. Babies need close monitoring of liver function, growth, and development, with some cases requiring long-term follow-up or eventual liver transplantation if significant damage occurs.

Question 10

How can I prevent neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

While genetic causes like Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency cannot be prevented, you can reduce other risks through prenatal care. Get tested and treated for infections during pregnancy, including TORCH infections that can affect the baby's liver. Ensure timely immunizations before and during pregnancy to protect against hepatitis B and rubella. Maintain good prenatal nutrition and attend all scheduled appointments for early detection of complications. After birth, ensure your baby feeds frequently to promote bilirubin elimination, and monitor for jaundice symptoms carefully during the first weeks. If there is a family history of liver disease, consider genetic counseling and early testing.

Question 11

What can I do at home for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

Accepted Answer

At home, ensure your baby feeds frequently, at least 8-12 times per day, as this helps the body eliminate bilirubin through bowel movements. Place your baby near a well-lit window during daytime hours, as natural light can help break down bilirubin, though this does not replace medical phototherapy when needed. Monitor your baby's skin color daily in natural light, checking the face, chest, and whites of the eyes for increasing yellowness. Keep track of wet diapers and stool color, reporting any changes to your doctor. However, neonatal hepatitis and jaundice require professional medical management, so home care should always supplement, not replace, treatment prescribed by your pediatrician.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Neonatal Hepatitis and Jaundice Blood Test

What is Neonatal Hepatitis and Jaundice?

What causes neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

What is the best test for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

When should I get tested for neonatal hepatitis and jaundice?

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