A neonate born at 36 weeks gestation weighing 3000 g is at increased risk for

A neonate born at 36 weeks gestation weighing 3000 g is at increased risk for

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Congenital hypothyroidism
• C. Jaundice
• D. Neonatal sepsis

Answer: (C)

Late preterm birth increases the risk of physiologic jaundice due to the liver’s immature ability to conjugate bilirubin. In newborns, bilirubin comes from red blood cell breakdown and must be conjugated in the liver by the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase to be cleared. In a baby born at 36 weeks, that enzyme activity is lower than in term infants, so unconjugated bilirubin accumulates more readily, producing jaundice in the first days of life. A birth weight of 3000 g is normal for gestational age, so size isn’t driving this risk. While other conditions can cause jaundice or hypoglycemia in some newborns, the scenario’s prematurity makes physiologic jaundice the most likely issue.

Late preterm birth increases the risk of physiologic jaundice due to the liver’s immature ability to conjugate bilirubin. In newborns, bilirubin comes from red blood cell breakdown and must be conjugated in the liver by the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase to be cleared. In a baby born at 36 weeks, that enzyme activity is lower than in term infants, so unconjugated bilirubin accumulates more readily, producing jaundice in the first days of life. A birth weight of 3000 g is normal for gestational age, so size isn’t driving this risk. While other conditions can cause jaundice or hypoglycemia in some newborns, the scenario’s prematurity makes physiologic jaundice the most likely issue.