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jaundice

Jaundice refers to a yellow coloration of the skin caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the fatty tissues of the body, especially those under the skin. It is observed most commonly in children who have newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) caused by breakdown of fetal red blood cells and immature excretion ability; in infectious hepatitis; and in conditions of blockage of the flow of bile from the liver to the small bowel. It is distinguished from harmless karotenemia by the fact that bilirubin stains the white schlera of the eye, but karotene does not.

See also phototherapy, breast milk jaundice.

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