Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours is considered

• A. Physiological jaundice
• B. Normal newborn finding
• C. Unrelated to bilirubin levels
• D. Pathological jaundice (liver problems)

Answer: (D)

Jaundice that appears within the first 24 hours after birth is a red flag for a problem with bilirubin handling, not a normal finding. Physiologic jaundice, which is common, typically shows up after the first day and peaks around day 2–3 as the newborn’s liver gradually matures its ability to conjugate bilirubin. When jaundice is present so early, it suggests increased bilirubin production or reduced clearance from the liver, such as from blood-group incompatibilities, hemolysis, infection, or liver dysfunction. This early onset signals potential pathology that needs evaluation of bilirubin levels and often additional testing to identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate management.