Saturday, July 20, 2013

Answer to Challenge

Harlequin Color Change
The answer to yesterdays Medical Challenge is...drumroll....

#4:  Harlequin color change

Harlequin color change is a dramatic but benign phenomenon in which the color on 1/2  (downward) of an infant turns deep red, while the upper half is pale.  Usually this color change is abrupt and lasts between 30 seconds and 20 minutes, then it resolves.  Up to 19% of infants undergo this color change which occurs between the 2nd and 5th day of life.  It is attributed to a temporary imbalance in autonomic regulation and it is more common among low-birth-weight infants.

The fact that the baby did not have IV lines or oxygen or evidence of being in an ICU pointed to a less serious cause and was the "hint".

The other conditions would indicate a life-threatening condition.
Collodion baby
Collodion baby is a genetic condition that causes the skin surface to crack and completely peel.  It also includes the mucous membranes, eyes and mouth.  It has the same genetic abnormalities as Bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma. Harlequin Ichthyosis is often called collodion baby so there is some confusion but it is quite different from Harlequin color change.

Cutis Marmorata
Cutis marmorata is an extremely rare congenital vascular disorder that affects the blood vessels of the skin and looks like a reticular pattern on the skin.


Traci M said...

Fantastic pics and information. I had no idea these conditions existed.

Charlene said...