Document Type

Report

Department

Paediatrics and Child Health

Abstract

Harlequin colour change (HCC) is a rare, benign and transient colour change presenting in normal healthy neonates in initial days of life and resolves spontaneously. It is thought to be due to hypothalamic immaturity, leading to capillary bed dysregulation. Gravity might also play a role, as this is apparent on the dependent side. It is important for physicians to recognize this phenomenon so that they do not order any irrelevant investigations. Here, we present a case of a healthy neonate who had HCC, which was unilateral, well demarcated erythema, with patchy pallor. Baby was vitally stable at that time. This colour change was observed twice and each time resolved within 20 minutes of its appearance and was not observed again to date (after 20 days). Baby was discharged in a stable condition after 48 hours of life.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan: JCPSP

Included in

Pediatrics Commons

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