Scientific Sessions

Neonatal hepatitis is a term that refers to a variety of liver disorders that affect foetuses and newborns. Viruses or metabolic conditions are the most common causes; however, many cases have no recognized cause. The infant with neonatal hepatitis typically develops jaundice between the ages of one and two months, is not gaining weight or growing properly, and has an enlarged liver and spleen. The majority of infants with this disease are jaundiced. Newborn hepatitis-induced jaundice is not the same as normal neonatal jaundice. Infants with neonatal hepatitis have black urine, as opposed to natural newborn jaundice. Infants may also show signs of growth retardation.