Physiologic differences between infants, children and adults

Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (physiologic jaundice) – common in first week of life, due to increased bilirubin load as well as decreased hepatic cell uptake of bilirubin and deficient hepatic conjugation. Pre-term infants are more susceptible to kernicterus (neurologic damage) due to less effective blood-brain barrier. ................
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