How Do You Spell ICTERUS NEONATORUM?

1. Icterus neonatorum, also referred to as neonatal jaundice, is a common condition often observed in newborn infants characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes. The term "icterus" originates from the Greek word "ikteros," which means jaundice. Neonatorum refers to neonatal, indicating that the condition affects newborns in the early stage of life.

   This condition occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. It is a normal process in the body, but in neonates, the liver may not be fully developed to efficiently process and eliminate bilirubin. Consequently, bilirubin levels increase in the bloodstream, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes.

   Common causes of icterus neonatorum include physiological jaundice, which is a naturally occurring process, and breast milk jaundice, which occurs when certain substances in breast milk hinder bilirubin elimination. Other possible causes include ABO or Rh blood group incompatibilities between the mother and the baby, liver diseases, infections, and certain genetic conditions.

   Most cases of icterus neonatorum resolve spontaneously without treatment within a few weeks as the liver matures. However, in severe cases with significantly elevated bilirubin levels, intervention may be necessary to prevent potential complications such as kernicterus, a rare but severe neurological condition.

   Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to closely monitor newborns with icterus neonatorum, conduct blood tests to assess bilirubin levels, and provide appropriate treatment if required to ensure the well-being of the infant.

2. Buhl's disease, Winckel's disease, jaundice of the newborn, pedicterus; it is either of a mild form and temporary, physiological jaundice, or of severe and usually fatal form, due to congenital occlusion of the common bile-duct, congenital syphilitic cirrhosis of the liver, or septic pylephlebitis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ICTERUS NEONATORUM

The word "Icterus Neonatorum" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.

1. Icterus: The term "Icterus" is derived from the Latin word "icterus", which means "jaundice" or "yellow". This Latin term, in turn, comes from the Greek word "ikteros", which also refers to "jaundice" or "a yellow bird". This association with a yellow bird possibly stems from the yellowish color of a bird called the "yellow wagtail", which was believed to cause jaundice in ancient times.

2. Neonatorum: The term "Neonatorum" is derived from the Latin word "neonatus", which means "newborn" or "infant". The Latin suffix "-orum" signifies the genitive plural form, denoting a condition that affects multiple newborns.