Jaundice in infants of Greek parentage: the unknown factor may be environmental.

Studies of infants born in Melbourne, Australia, to parents who migrated from Greece failed to demonstrate an increased incidence or severity of neonatal jaundice. No effect of birthplace of parents within Greece on serum bilirubin levels could be discerned. These findings indicate that the high frequency of severe neonatal jaundice which has been demonstrated throughout Greece, and especially in certain regions of that country, is not carried with those who immigrate. Further studies of this problem in Greece should concentrate on regional environment rather than upon genetic influences.