In
the late 19th century, neonatal jaundice/neonatal icterus were
recognized as a common finding in newborns. This condition was generally benign
and self-limited. Since most newborns at the time were breastfed, comparison of
the frequency of jaundice in breast and formula-fed infants were not
immediately evident to medical observers until later, when formula-feeding was
introduced in a larger and growing percentage of newborns (eventually a
majority).
the late 19th century, neonatal jaundice/neonatal icterus were
recognized as a common finding in newborns. This condition was generally benign
and self-limited. Since most newborns at the time were breastfed, comparison of
the frequency of jaundice in breast and formula-fed infants were not
immediately evident to medical observers until later, when formula-feeding was
introduced in a larger and growing percentage of newborns (eventually a
majority).
The first
volume (1885-1891) of medical records from the original providence lying in
hospital containing several observation of neonatal icterus, usually during the
first week of what was then a 10-14 days length of stay clinical research on
haemolytic disease of the newborn in the 1940s and 1950s led to the
understanding of its pathogenesis and advances in its treatment. Increased
understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of haemolytic
disease contributed to advances in the whole field of prenatal and neonatal
care. These advances included the development of system for maternal screening
which now includes prenatal diagnosis by maternal serology.
volume (1885-1891) of medical records from the original providence lying in
hospital containing several observation of neonatal icterus, usually during the
first week of what was then a 10-14 days length of stay clinical research on
haemolytic disease of the newborn in the 1940s and 1950s led to the
understanding of its pathogenesis and advances in its treatment. Increased
understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of haemolytic
disease contributed to advances in the whole field of prenatal and neonatal
care. These advances included the development of system for maternal screening
which now includes prenatal diagnosis by maternal serology.
The
early detection of haemolytic disease prenatally has led to invasive antenatal
treatment by intrauterine fetal transfusion. Not only have these advance led to
antenatal intervention but they have improved the protocols for the management
of neonatal Rh haemolytic disease, monitoring of affected newborns and the
invention of exchange transfusion to correct anaemia and to reduce moderate
bilirubin level (Liley, 2003).
early detection of haemolytic disease prenatally has led to invasive antenatal
treatment by intrauterine fetal transfusion. Not only have these advance led to
antenatal intervention but they have improved the protocols for the management
of neonatal Rh haemolytic disease, monitoring of affected newborns and the
invention of exchange transfusion to correct anaemia and to reduce moderate
bilirubin level (Liley, 2003).
