Breast Milk Jaundice

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good thing it says part of the treatment is to continue breastfeeding-now we have to educate the pediatricians on that:

Breast Milk JaundiceArticle Last Updated: Oct 3, 2008

Author: Prashant G Deshpande, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Pediatrics, Hope Children's HospitalPrashant G Deshpande is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical AssociationEditors: Oussama Itani, MD, FAAP, FACN, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University; Medical Director, Department of Neonatology, Borgess Medical Center; L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; S , MD, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Co-director, Pediatric Advance Comfort Team, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt; Carol L Wagner, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina; Ted Rosenkrantz, MD, Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Connecticut School of MedicineAuthor and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: breast milk jaundice, jaundice, neonatal jaundice, indirect bilirubin, bilirubin, breastfeeding, physiologic jaundice, uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid, UDPGA, UDPGA glucuronyl transferase, unconjugated bilirubin pigment, conjugated bilirubin, hyperbilirubinemia, clinical jaundice, cholestatic jaundice, bilirubin level, pathologic jaundice, phototherapy, breast milk, breastfeeding-associated jaundice, Gilbert syndrome, kernicterus

Background

Arias first described breast milk jaundice (BMJ) in 1963. Breast milk jaundice is a type of neonatal jaundice associated with breastfeeding. It is characterized by indirect hyperbilirubinemia in a breastfed newborn that develops after the first 4-7 days of life, persists longer than physiologic jaundice, and has no other identifiable cause. It should be differentiated from breastfeeding jaundice, which manifests in the first week of life and is caused by insufficient production or intake of breast milk.

Pathophysiology

The etiology of breast milk jaundice is not clearly understood, but the following factors have been suggested to play a role:

An unusual metabolite of progesterone (pregnane-3-alpha 20 beta-diol), a substance in the breast milk that inhibits uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA) glucuronyl transferase Increased concentrations of nonesterified free fatty acids that inhibit hepatic glucuronyl transferase Increased enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin due to (1) increased content of beta glucuronidase activity in breast milk and, therefore, the intestines of the breastfed neonate and (2) delayed establishment of enteric flora in breastfed infants Defects in uridine diphosphate-glucuronyl transferase (UGT1A1) activity in infants who are homozygous or heterozygous for variant Gilbert syndrome promoter polymorphism

Please see Jaundice, Neonatal for an in-depth review of the pathophysiology of hyperbilirubinemia.

Frequency

United States

Jaundice occurs in 50-70% of newborns. Moderate jaundice (bilirubin level >12 mg/dL) develops in 4% of bottle-fed newborns, compared to 14% of breastfed newborns. Severe jaundice (bilirubin level >15 mg/dL) occurs in 0.3% of bottle-fed newborns, compared to 2% of breastfed newborns. A strong familial predisposition is also suggested by the recurrence of breast milk jaundice in siblings.

International

International frequency is not extensively reported but is thought to be similar to that in the United States.

Mortality/Morbidity

Breast milk jaundice in otherwise healthy full-term infants rarely causes kernicterus (bilirubin encephalopathy). Case reports suggest that some breastfed infants who suffer from prolonged periods of inadequate breast milk intake and whose bilirubin levels exceeded 25 mg/dL may be at risk of kernicterus. Another group of breastfed infants who may be at risk of complications are borderline premature infants (36-37 weeks' gestational age) who are poorly nursing.

Race

Whether racial differences are observed in breast milk jaundice is unclear, although an increased prevalence of physiologic jaundice is observed in babies of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Native American descent.

Sex

No sex predilection is known.

Age

Breast milk jaundice manifests after the first 4-7 days of life and can persist for 3-12 weeks.

History

Physiologic jaundice usually manifests after the first 24 hours of life. This can be accentuated by breastfeeding, which, in the first few days of life, may be associated with suboptimal milk and suboptimal caloric intake, especially if milk production is delayed. This is known as breastfeeding jaundice. Jaundice that manifests before the first 24 hours of life should always be considered pathologic until proven otherwise. In this situation, a full diagnostic workup with emphasis on infection and hemolysis should be undertaken. True breast milk jaundice (BMJ) manifests after the first 4-7 days of life. A second peak in serum bilirubin level is noted by age 14 days. In clinical practice, differentiating between physiologic jaundice from breast milk jaundice is important so that the duration of hyperbilirubinemia can be predicted. Identifying the infants who become dehydrated secondary to inadequate breastfeeding is also important. These babies need to be identified early and given breastfeeding support and formula supplementation as necessary. Depending on serum bilirubin concentration, neonates with hyperbilirubinemia may become sleepy and feed poorly.

Physical

Clinical jaundice is usually first noticed in the sclera and the face. Then it progresses caudally to reach the abdomen and extremities. Gentle pressure on the skin helps to reveal the extent of jaundice, especially in darker-skinned babies; however, clinical observation is not an accurate measure of the severity of the hyperbilirubinemia. A rough correlation is observed between blood levels and the extent of jaundice (face, approximately 5 mg/dL; mid abdomen, approximately 15 mg/dL; soles, 20 mg/dL). Therefore, clinical decisions should always be based on serum levels of bilirubin. Skin should have normal perfusion and turgor and show no petechiae. Neurologic examination, including neonatal reflexes, should be normal, although the infant may be sleepy. Muscle tone and reflexes (eg, Moro reflex, grasp, rooting) should be normal. Evaluate hydration status by an assessment of the percentage of birth weight that may have been lost, observation of mucous membranes, fontanelle, and skin turgor.

Causes

Supplementation of breastfeeding with dextrose 5% in water (D5W) can actually increase the prevalence or degree of jaundice. Delayed milk production and poor feeding lead to decreased caloric intake, dehydration, and increased enterohepatic circulation, resulting in higher serum bilirubin concentration. The biochemical cause of breast milk jaundice remains under investigation. Some research reported that lipoprotein lipase, found in some breast milk, produces nonesterified long-chain fatty acids, which competitively inhibit glucuronyl transferase conjugating activity. Glucuronidase has also been found in some breast milk, which results in jaundice. Defects in uridine diphosphate-glucuronyl transferase (UGT1A1) activity may be associated with prolonged hyperbilirubinemia in breast milk jaundice. One or more components in breast milk may trigger such mutations.1 This may be comparable to some patients with Gilbert syndrome.

Other Problems to be Considered

Hemolytic anemia (RBC membrane defects: spherocytosis, acanthocytosis, ovalocytosis; RBC enzyme defects, hemoglobinopathies)Blood type incompatibility (ABO and minor group antigens)Large cephalhematomaHypothyroidismUrinary tract infectionsSepsisGilbert syndromeEarly galactosemia

Lab Studies

Breast milk jaundice (BMJ) is a diagnosis of exclusion. Detailed history and physical examination showing that the infant is thriving and that lactation is well established are key elements to diagnosis. Breastfed babies should have 3-4 transitional stools and 6-7 wet diapers per day and should have regained birth weight by the end of the second week of life or demonstrate a weight gain of 1 oz/d. Measure total serum bilirubin concentration in neonates who have jaundice that has progressed from the face to the chest and in neonates at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn. The following tests are to be considered if serum bilirubin levels are greater than 12 mg/dL (170 µmol/L). A total serum bilirubin concentration that rises faster than 5 mg/dL/d (85 µmol/L/d) or jaundice before 24 hours of life suggests pathologic jaundice. A level of conjugated bilirubin greater than 2 mg/dL (34 µmol/L) suggests cholestasis, biliary atresia, or sepsis (see Jaundice, Neonatal). CBC count with reticulocyte count findings are as follows:

Polycythemia (hematocrit level, >65%) Anemia (hematocrit level, <40%) Sepsis (WBC count, <5 K/mL or >20 K/mL) with immature to total neutrophil ratio greater than 0.2

Urine specific gravity can be useful in the assessment of hydration status. If hemolysis is suspected, consider the following tests:

Blood type to evaluate for ABO, Rh or other blood group incompatibility Coombs test, as well as an elution test for antibodies against A or B, to evaluate for immune mediated hemolysis Peripheral smear to look for abnormally shaped RBCs (ovalocytes, acanthocytes, spherocytes, schistocytes) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) screen, especially if ethnicity consistent

Factors that suggest possibility of hemolytic disease include the following:

Family history of hemolytic disease Onset of jaundice before 24 hours of life Rise in serum bilirubin levels of more than 0.5 mg/dL/h Pallor, hepatosplenomegaly Rapid increase in serum bilirubin level after 24-48 hours (G-6-PD deficiency) Ethnicity suggestive of G-6-PD deficiency Failure of phototherapy to lower bilirubin level

If sepsis is suspected, consider the following tests:

Blood culture WBC differential Platelet count Urine analysis and culture

Factors that suggest the possibility of sepsis include the following:

Poor feeding Vomiting Lethargy Temperature instability Apnea Tachypnea

Signs of cholestatic jaundice that suggest the need to rule out biliary atresia or other causes of cholestasis include the following:

Dark urine or urine positive for bilirubin Light-colored stools Persistent jaundice for more than 3 weeks

The follow-up includes the state newborn screen for galactosemia and hypothyroidism.

Medical Care

Treatment recommendations in this section apply only to healthy term infants with no signs of pathologic jaundice and are based on the severity of hyperbilirubinemia. In preterm, anemic, or ill infants and those with early (<24 h) or severe jaundice (>25 mg/dL or 430 µmol/L), different treatment protocols should be pursued (see Jaundice, Neonatal). For healthy term infants with breast milk or breastfeeding jaundice and with bilirubin levels of 12 mg/dL (170 µmol/L) to 17 mg/dL, the following options are acceptable:

Increase breastfeeding to 8-12 times per day and recheck the serum bilirubin level in 12-24 hours. The mother should be reassured about the relatively benign nature of breast milk jaundice (BMJ). This recommendation assumes that effective breastfeeding is occurring, including milk production, effective latching, and effective sucking with resultant letdown of milk. Breastfeeding can also be supported with manual or electric pumps and the pumped milk given as a supplement to the baby. Continue breastfeeding and supplement with formula. Temporary interruption of breastfeeding is rarely needed and is not recommended unless serum bilirubin levels reach 20 mg/dL (340 µmol/L).

For infants with serum bilirubin levels from 17-25 mg/dL (294-430 µmol/L), add phototherapy to any of the previously stated treatment options. The reader is referred to the American Academy of Pediatrics' practice parameter on the management of hyperbilirubinemia in healthy full-term newborn infants.2 The most rapid way to reduce the bilirubin level is to interrupt breastfeeding for 24 hours, feed with formula, and use phototherapy; however, in most infants, interrupting breastfeeding is not necessary or advisable. Phototherapy can be administered with standard phototherapy units and fiberoptic blankets. Fiberoptic phototherapy can often be safely administered at home, which may allow for improved infant-maternal bonding. Although sunlight provides sufficient irradiance in the 425-nm to 475-nm band to provide phototherapy, practical difficulties involved in safely exposing a naked newborn to sunlight, either indoors or outdoors (and avoiding sunburn), preclude the use of sunlight as a reliable phototherapy tool; therefore, it is not recommended. Phototherapy can be discontinued when serum bilirubin levels drop to less than 15 mg/dL (260 µmol/L). Average bilirubin level rebound has been shown to be less than 1 mg/dL (17 µmol/L); therefore, rechecking the level after discontinuation of phototherapy is not necessary unless hyperbilirubinemia is due to a hemolytic process. For an in-depth discussion of phototherapy, see Jaundice, Neonatal.

Consultations

Consider consultation with a neonatologist when serum bilirubin level approaches 20 mg/dL (430 µmol/L) or when signs and symptoms suggest pathological jaundice and the rate of rise in the serum bilirubin level is more than 0.5 mg/dL/h. A consultation with a lactation specialist is recommended in any breastfed baby who has jaundice. The expertise of lactation consultants can be extremely helpful, especially in situations in which inadequate breastfeeding is contributing to the jaundice.

Diet

Continue breastfeeding, if possible, and increase frequency of feeding to 8-12 times per day. Depending on maternal preference, breastfeeding can be supplemented or replaced by formula at the same frequency. Supplementation with dextrose solution is not recommended because it may decrease caloric intake and milk production and may consequently delay the drop in serum bilirubin concentration. Breastfeeding can also be supplemented by pumped breast milk.

Activity

No restrictions are necessary. Encourage parents to remove the child from the warmer or infant crib for feeding and bonding. Fiberoptic blankets allow holding and breastfeeding without interruption in treatment.

Further Inpatient Care

If the patient has not been discharged with the parent, monitoring daily weights and serum bilirubin concentration for the need for phototherapy as well as assessment of caloric intake are important. Once serum bilirubin concentration is determined to be within a safe range (<20 mg/dL) and is not rapidly rising, home phototherapy is an option to consider as long as thorough outpatient follow-up (home visiting nursing assessment or office check-up and bilirubin level monitoring) are feasible.

Weight monitoring is very important in breastfed infants to avoid prolonged and severe jaundice, as well as to avoid hypernatremic dehydration. The general standard states that loss of 10% of birth weight is considered to be significant. A reference chart for relative weight change to detect hypernatremic dehydration has been proposed.3

Further Outpatient Care

If the infant is treated on an outpatient basis, measure serum bilirubin levels daily either in the clinic or in the home with home-health nurses until the bilirubin level is less than 15 mg/dL (260 µmol/L).

Transfer

Transfer infants with pathologic jaundice or bilirubin levels greater than 20 mg/dL to a center capable of performing exchange transfusions.

Deterrence/Prevention

Poor caloric intake associated with insufficient breastfeeding contributes to the development of severe breast milk jaundice (BMJ). The first step toward successful breastfeeding is to make sure that mothers nurse their infants at least 8-12 times per day for the first several days starting from the first hour of life. The whey portion of human milk contains a feedback inhibitory peptide of lactogenesis; hence, effective emptying of the breast with each feeding results in successful lactation. Infants who nursed more than 8 times during the first 24 hours had earlier meconium passage, reduced maximum weight loss, increased breast milk intake on days 3 and 5, and lower serum bilirubin levels and significantly lower incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia (>15 mg/dL) on day 6. In a recent double-blind controlled study, beta-glucuronidase inhibition with L-aspartic acid and enzymatically hydrolyzed casein in exclusively breastfed babies resulted in reduction in peak serum bilirubin level by 70% in first week of life.4 According to the latest clinical practice guidelines for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn aged 35 or more weeks' gestation, exclusive breastfeeding is a major risk factor for severe hyperbilirubinemia and all infants should be evaluated for the risk of subsequent hyperbilirubinemia by plotting their discharge serum bilirubin levels on an hour-specific nomogram.2

Complications

Bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus) may occur in exclusively breastfed infants in the absence of hemolysis or other specific pathologic conditions. Distinguishing between breastfeeding jaundice and breast milk jaundice is important because bilirubin-induced encephalopathy occurs more commonly in breastfeeding jaundice. Near-term infants (35-37 weeks' gestation) are more likely to manifest breastfeeding jaundice because of difficulty achieving adequate nursing, greater weight loss, and hepatic immaturity