when they placed the baby on her side earlier today, she turned different colors

[unseennude]

The parents of this 3-day-old baby arrive in the emergency department stating that the newborn has been acting well since being discharged from the hospital yesterday. She is breastfeeding every 2-3 hours, moving her bowels multiple times daily, wetting her diapers after each feeding, and consoling appropriately.



However, the parents report that, when they placed the baby on her side earlier today, she turned different colors?the side down was red, and the side up was white. On examination, the baby appears normal, but when laid on her right side, her skin changes colors, as demonstrated in the photograph.

What is this phenomenon called? What causes the color change to occur?
Hint:This is a benign condition of neonates.

[Hero]

A very interesting case, and during my 4 yrs in this medical school I haven't got an opportunity to see such case...eager to know the correct diagnosis.
Tnx

[Oak]

Its a interesing case only, its never been associate with any problem to the patient. Its Harlequin Color Change

In Halequin Color Change patient's blood vessels start off highly reactive and unstable. A mild change in temperature or position or mood can cause swift changes in the diameters of the blood vessels, with resultant color changes of the overlying skin.

A sharp line from the forehead to the pubis divides the body into 2 vertical halves. One side turns dark red, the other quite pale. The overall effect is reminiscent of the bold patches of color on a harlequin costume.

This rare but dramatic event only occurs in the immediate newborn period. It usually begins when the baby is positioned on her side. The upper half of the body becomes pale, and the lower half deep red. Changing her position can reverse the pattern. If she moves a lot, the muscle activity will erase the color changes.

The harlequin color change is most common in low birthweight infants, but can occur in any child. Babies who experience this once will often take on the harlequin pattern multiple times.

Still, the condition is as temporary as being a newborn. The harlequin color change is entirely harmless. It has never been associated with any permanent problem.

[unseennude]

Oak is absolutely correct! The right answer is Harlequin color change. He has explained the phenomenon in very simple and easy form. I don't think any more explanation is needed further . Anyway let me post something more about it!

Harlequin color change: The harlequin color change results from neurovascular immaturity of the blood vessels in newborns. The sharply demarcated line between the inferior erythema and the superior pallor occurs in 10% of healthy newborns when they are placed on their sides. Premature infants are more prone to this harlequin color change. The incidence peaks between the second and fifth days of life.

Episodes of discoloration persist 30-120 seconds, and crying or increased movement or activity decreases the duration of the color change. The condition is entirely benign and unrelated to other medical diagnoses. Families should be counseled that the color change is not a cause for worry. Harlequin color change should not be confused with the diagnosis of harlequin fetus, a severe, restrictive skin disorder of neonates.