A male baby born at term to O -ve mother with Coombs +ve at delivery.Baby weighed 3 kg at bih and haemoglobinis 16 g/dL and TSB is 5 mg/dL. He passed a black stools within the first 24 hours of life and his temp was 97.7degF. After 5 days, infant’s weight reduced by 60 gm, his axillary temperature reduced to 95degFand he is jaundiced upto the chest. Parents also told about yellow, seedy stool. Lab investigations show hemoglobin is now 14.4 g/dL, and his TSB is 14 mg/dL. The change in which of the following parameters is of most concern for you as a paediatrician?
A male baby born at term to O -ve mother with Coombs +ve at delivery.Baby weighed 3 kg at bih and haemoglobinis 16 g/dL and TSB is 5 mg/dL. He passed a black stools within the first 24 hours of life and his temp was 97.7degF. After 5 days, infant’s weight reduced by 60 gm, his axillary temperature reduced to 95degFand he is jaundiced upto the chest. Parents also told about yellow, seedy stool. Lab investigations show hemoglobin is now 14.4 g/dL, and his TSB is 14 mg/dL. The change in which of the following parameters is of most concern for you as a paediatrician?
💡 Explanation
**Core Concept**
The scenario describes a newborn baby with signs and symptoms suggestive of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a condition where maternal antibodies against fetal red blood cells lead to hemolysis and jaundice. The Coombs test is positive, indicating the presence of these antibodies.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The key to this question is understanding the progression of the disease. Initially, the baby has a high level of unconjugated bilirubin (TSB 5 mg/dL), which is a common finding in newborns with HDN. However, the concern here is the decrease in body temperature (97.7°F to 95°F) and the significant weight loss (60g) over 5 days. This indicates a severe infection, likely sepsis, which is a life-threatening complication in neonates. The presence of yellow, seedy stools (diarrhea) further supports this diagnosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While jaundice is a common finding in HDN, the change in the parameter of most concern is not the increase in TSB, as it is expected in this condition.
**Option B:** The hemoglobin level has actually increased, which is not a typical finding in HDN.
**Option C:** While weight loss is a concern, it is not the most alarming change in this scenario, as it is often seen in newborns with HDN.
**Option D:** The change in body temperature is the most concerning parameter, as it indicates a severe infection, likely sepsis, which requires immediate attention.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In neonates, a temperature below 97.7°F (36.5°C) is a red flag for sepsis, and a weight loss of >10% of birth weight over the first 7 days of life is indicative of a severe infection.
**Correct Answer:** D. Decrease in body temperature.
✓ Correct Answer: B. Temperature
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