Regarding causes of early-onset (first 2 weeks) neonatal jaundice, the following statements are TRUE:

• A. True
• B. False: Sepsis can cause early neonatal jaundice.
• C. True
• D. True
• E. False: Biliary atresia causes prolonged conjugated jaundice (presenting over weeks), not jaundice in the first 24 hours; early jaundice is usually haemolytic.

Early-onset neonatal jaundice

Early jaundice is usually unconjugated, often haemolytic.

Causes

• Isoimmune haemolysis: ABO, Rh, rare blood group incompatibility.
• Red cell defects: hereditary spherocytosis (membrane), G6PD/pyruvate kinase deficiency (enzyme).
• Sepsis, polycythaemia, Crigler-Najjar, increased enterohepatic circulation; physiological jaundice (after 24h).

The error

• Biliary atresia causes prolonged conjugated jaundice, not first-day jaundice; it is not the commonest cause in the first 24 hours.

Statement-by-statement verdict

Why A is true

ABO and Rh incompatibility cause haemolytic jaundice.

Why B is false

Sepsis CAN cause early neonatal jaundice.

Why C is true

G6PD deficiency causes haemolytic jaundice.

Why D is true

Hereditary spherocytosis causes haemolytic jaundice.

Why E is false

Biliary atresia causes prolonged conjugated jaundice, not first-24-hour jaundice.