Can cholestatic jaundice in newborns be cured?

Hello doctor, when my baby was born, he had jaundice and was exposed to phototherapy. Initially, the doctor diagnosed him with physiological jaundice. After 4 weeks of monitoring, the baby was still breastfeeding well, not fussy but his skin was more yellow, my family took him to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for further examination and the doctor diagnosed him with jaundice due to cholestasis. Doctor, can you tell me if this disease is dangerous and can it be cured?

(Ms. Thu Nga, residing in Tran Bien ward)

Doctor replied:

Hello Thu Nga!

Jaundice lasting more than 2 weeks after birth, especially when the baby's skin becomes darker yellow, needs to be considered as pathological jaundice, not simply physiological jaundice.

Cholestatic jaundice is one of the important causes of pathological jaundice. If not detected and treated promptly, cholestasis can cause progressive liver damage and lead to serious complications.

However, if diagnosed early and treated properly, many causes of cholestasis in infants can be cured or well controlled. Depending on the specific cause (eg congenital biliary atresia, infection, metabolic disorder...), the doctor will have the appropriate treatment direction: medication, surgery or liver support measures.

Therefore, families should strictly follow the instructions and follow-up appointment schedule of the pediatric hepatologist. Closely monitor the color of the stool (may be pale), urine (dark), feeding status, weight gain of the baby and immediately notify if there is any abnormality. Do not arbitrarily use folk medicine or home treatment because it can worsen the baby's liver condition.

Get well soon!

Specialist Doctor 2 Nguyen Van Suu,

Deputy Director of Professional Affairs, Head of Pediatrics Department, Au Co Hospital

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202507/tinh-trang-vang-da-do-u-mat-o-tre-so-sinh-co-the-chua-dut-diem-khong-57d2f75/