Fetal jaundice

Yellowing of skin in neonates attributed to damp-heat in the mother during pregnancy or to congenital insufficiency of original qì, that in mild cases disappears without treatment.

Patterns

Damp-heat (湿热 shī rè) causing severe fetal jaundice is characterized by a golden coloring of the skin accompanied by vigorous heat [effusion], constipation, and reddish urine.

Medicinal therapy: Clear heat and transform dampness. Use Gardenia and Phellodendron Decoction (栀子柏皮汤 zhī zǐ bǎi pí tāng) or Virgate Wormwood Decoction (茵陈蒿汤 yīn chén hāo tāng) with additions.

Congenital insufficiency of original qì (元气不足 yuán qì bù zú), spleen qì vacuity, and nontransformation of cold-damp cause fetal jaundice characterized by a dark yellow lusterless complexion, cold limbs, and sloppy stool.

Medicinal therapy: Warm the spleen and transform dampness. Use Center-Rectifying Decoction (理中汤 lǐ zhōng tāng) plus virgate wormwood (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba, 茵陈蒿 yīn chén hāo).