Why is there pruritus in cholestatic jaundice?

Bile salts In addition itch may precede the appearance of jaundice suggesting that substances other than bilirubin are responsible for pruritis[35]. Consequently bile salts emerged as the primary causative agents in pruritis.

Can a baby get cholestasis?

Cholestasis is a rare condition that affects approximately 1 in every 2,500 newborn infants. Boys and girls have the condition in roughly equal numbers. In newborns, cholestasis can be an inherited condition. The condition can affect children of any age.

What is the most common cause of neonatal cholestasis?

Neonatal cholestasis, in general, has many different causes including several viruses including cytomegalovirus and the herpes viruses; various metabolic liver diseases or genetic disorders such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and Alagille syndrome. Other rare disorders may also impair the function of the liver.

What causes cholestatic jaundice?

Most causes of cholestatic jaundice are a result of diseases of the liver or biliary tract, including intrahepatic forms caused by drugs, alcohol, infection, and destruction of the interlobular ducts.

How often does a baby with cholestasis get jaundice?

Cholestasis is seen in every 2,500–5,000 live births. In full-term infants, jaundice that lasts >2 weeks should be evaluated; however, it should be noted that prolonged jaundice may be observed in 15–40% of healthy infants receiving breast milk. 1

Can a pruritus be a sign of cholestasis?

Pruritus can be a troublesome manifestation of cholestasis. Cholestatic pruritus is uncommon in the neonatal period, with the exception of diseases including paucity of bile ducts, such as Allagile syndrome, and the progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis syndromes.

What causes jaundice in the first month of life?

The most common causes of cholestatic jaundice in the first months of life are biliary atresia (BA), viral infections, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT). 5 Cholestasis beyond the neonatal period includes a wide spectrum of congenital and acquired aetiologies.

What causes yellow jaundice in newborns and infants?

Neonatal cholestasis refers to failure of bilirubin secretion. Jaundice is the yellow discoloration seen in the skin and eyes. The yellow discoloration is from a pigment called bilirubin that can be measured in blood. Bilirubin is derived from the oxygen carrying pigment in the red blood cells called hemoglobin.