What is Neonatal Hepatitis
Neonatal hepatitis is inflammation of the liver in newborn babies, usually appearing within the first few weeks of life.
- In simple words: The baby’s liver is irritated or “inflamed,” so it cannot work properly, leading to jaundice and other symptoms.
- It is different from biliary atresia, because the bile ducts are usually normal.
Causes
- Viral infections: CMV (Cytomegalovirus), Hepatitis B or C (from mother), Rubella.
- Genetic/metabolic disorders: Rare enzyme deficiencies that affect liver function.
- Idiopathic: In many cases, exact cause is unknown.
- Premature birth or low birth weight: Liver immaturity can contribute.
Symptoms
- Liver enlargement and fatigue.
- Risk of liver scarring (fibrosis) if inflammation persists.
- Slower growth or delayed development in severe cases.
In most babies, it resolves gradually, but close monitoring is needed.
Conventional Treatment
- Supportive care: feeding, hydration, and monitoring liver function.
- Treat underlying viral infection if detected.
- Sometimes medicines to support liver or reduce inflammation.
- Regular blood tests and ultrasound to monitor liver.
Homeopathic Perspective
In homeopathy, neonatal hepatitis is seen as a liver imbalance in a sensitive newborn constitution, often triggered by viral infection or metabolic weakness.
Homeopathy can help by:
- Supporting liver recovery and function.
- Reducing jaundice and bile congestion.
- Improving digestion, appetite, and overall vitality.
- Preventing progression to chronic liver problems.
Common Homeopathic Remedies (case-specific):
- Chelidonium – liver enlargement, jaundice, right-sided pain, poor digestion.
- Carduus Marianus – protects liver, supports bile flow.
- China (Cinchona) – weakness, vomiting, dehydration, poor growth.
- Chamomilla – irritable, colicky babies.
- Phosphorus – liver weakness, easy bruising, pallor, digestive disturbances.
Remedies are always individualized based on totality of symptoms and constitution.
Precautions
- Ensure frequent, adequate feeding.
- Monitor stool color and urine color regularly.
- Avoid unnecessary medicines that stress the liver.
- Keep newborns warm, well-fed, and hydrated.
- Regular check-ups with pediatrician and liver function tests.
Homeopathy can be started under professional guidance for liver support and recovery.
Summary
Neonatal hepatitis is inflammation of the liver in newborns, causing jaundice, pale stools, and poor growth.
Most babies recover gradually with proper monitoring.
Homeopathy helps by supporting the liver, improving digestion and immunity, and preventing long-term complications, while staying complementary to conventional care.
