What Causes Jaundice in Babies?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
8. Enzyme Defect
Our bodies contain an enzyme known as Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and this enzyme helps us to break down red blood cells. Some people will have a defect in this enzyme, and this can cause the red blood cells to become broken down sooner than usual.
This is a condition that mostly affects newborn babies and one of the symptoms is jaundice. The extent of the jaundice is often mild, but it can be severe in some cases. In many cases, the patient will experience few, if any, symptoms, and they may even have it their whole life without being aware of it.
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