Neonatal cholestasis

[Gregory]

Cholestasis is failure of bilirubin secretion, resulting in conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice. There are numerous causes, which are identified by laboratory testing, hepatobiliary scan, and, sometimes, liver biopsy and surgery. Treatment depends on cause.
Cholestasis occurs in 1/2500 full-term infants. It is defined as direct bilirubin gt; 1 mg/dL (gt; 17.1 micromole/L). Cholestasis is never normal and warrants evaluation.