Patient's question:
After my baby was born, their skin started turning yellow. When the doctor examined them, they said it was normal. However, after 7 days, the condition hasn't improved and has worsened. The doctor said it's due to hepatosplenomegaly. Is hepatosplenomegaly serious in newborns?Doctor's answer:
Hello, based on your situation, encountering neonatal hepatosplenomegaly should prompt a prompt identification of the cause, distinguishing between a benign self-limiting disease and a malignant condition. Neonatal hepatosplenomegaly is a common clinical symptom, and there are many diseases that can cause it, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. The upper boundary of the liver in a normal newborn is generally at the fourth intercostal space on the right midclavicular line, and the lower boundary is usually 1-2 cm below the right costal margin. Below the xiphoid process, the lower boundary of the liver is closer, approximately 2 cm. The spleen is soft and cannot be palpated below the costal margin on the left midclavicular line. If the size of the liver and spleen in a newborn exceeds the above range, it can be considered hepatosplenomegaly.