Neonatal jaundice historical perspective

Neonatal jaundice Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Neonatal jaundice from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Neonatal jaundice historical perspective On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Neonatal jaundice historical perspective All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Neonatal jaundice historical perspective
on Neonatal jaundice historical perspective
Neonatal jaundice historical perspective in the news
Blogs on Neonatal jaundice historical perspective
Directions to Hospitals Treating Neonatal jaundice
Risk calculators and risk factors for Neonatal jaundice historical perspective

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

Overview

Neonatal jaundice was first described by the authors of some pediatrics texts in the 19th century. Some medical records showed several cases of icterus neonatorum in the period between 1885 and 1891. The Rh body antigens were discovered in 1940. Through the 20th century, the description of the inherited neonatal jaundice syndromes were described.

Historical Perspective

• In the 19th century, the authors of some pediatric texts described cases of yellowish discoloration in the newborns and named it "Icterus neonatorum". They described the condition of icterus neonatorum as benign self-resolved disease.
• Between 1885 and 1891, some medical records from the original Providence hospital showed several cases of icterum neonatourm through the first week of life.
• In 1940, the Rh antigens were discovered and that confirmed the genetic basis of the neonatal jaundice disease.
• Between 1940 and 1950, some studies were performed on hemolytic diseases of the newborn in order to learn the pathogenesis of neonatal jaundice. These studies played a great role in development of a good perinatal and neonatal care.
• In 1950, Dr. London published an article describing the mechanism of bile metabolism inside the human body.
• In 1964, Dr. Arias was the first to describe the breast milk jaundice.

History of the inhereted syndromes:

• Gilbert syndrome:
  • In 1901, Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Lereboulet described the Gilbert syndrome as a cause of neonatal jaundice.
  • It is now considered as the most common hereditary cause of hyperbilirubinemia in the neonates.
• Rotor syndrome:
  • In 1948, Dr. Rotor described a defect of hepatic reuptake of bilirubin resulting in hyperbilirubinemia.
• Crigler-Najjar syndrome:
  • In 1952, Dr. Crigler and Dr. Najjar described the one type of syndrome due to absence of UGT1A1 enzyme activity.
  • In 1962, Dr. Arias described another variation of the syndrome in which there is a reduced activity of UGT1A1 enzyme. The syndrome named either Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 or Arias syndrome.
• Dubin-Johnson syndrome:
  • In 1954, Dr. Dubin reported some cases of young adults with black liver and jaundice.
• Lucey-Driscoll syndrome:
  • In 1965, Dr. Lucey described another cause of severe . in the newborns during the first few days of life.

Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies

• In the 1960s, Dr. John Barrett, Dr. Frank Giunta, and Edwin Forman formed a consultation team for the newborns with jaundice in order to perform blood transfusion when needed.
• In 1958, the phototherapy was discovered at Rochford Hospital in Essex, England. However, most of the hospitals began using phototherapy ten years after its discovery when an American group made their own discovery.

• In 1968, Rh antiglobulin was developed and it is being given during pregnancy. After this development, the Rh erythroblastosis has been a rare disease now.

References

​ Template:WH Template:WS