Obstructive jaundice in neonates.

The causes of jaundice in the first few weeks of life may be categorised into hematologic, enzymatic/metabolic, infectious and obstructive. Obstructive jaundice results from an interruption in the drainage of bile in the biliary system. Surgical causes of jaundice in neonates are biliary atresia, inspissated bile syndrome, intrahepatic hypoplasia, choledochal cyst, Caroli's disease and spontaneous perforation of the bile duct. Pediatricians should be aware of the pernicious consequences of unresolved biliary obstruction and should thus refer neonates or infants with inexplicable jaundice for surgical exploration at an earlier age.