Question
A baby born at 1 PM on the 26th had a bilirubin level of 6.1 measured on the third morning by transcutaneous testing. The doctor didn’t prescribe any medication, and the bilirubin level was over 16 on the third morning. The baby was directly taken to the neonatal department for blue light treatment, but there was no improvement. Is this okay?
Answer
Jaundice is a common symptom and sign in neonatal periods, which occurs due to impaired bilirubin metabolism or excessive production, leading to a decrease in serum bilirubin concentration. Clinically, it is manifested as the conjunctiva, mucous membranes, skin, and other tissues becoming yellow. Physiological jaundice in full-term infants does not exceed 12.9 and lasts no more than 14 days. Your baby’s condition shows pathological jaundice, so timely treatment is necessary. If the jaundice level is below 20, it may lead to nuclear jaundice again, causing brain damage, and in severe cases, cerebral palsy. Neonatal jaundice is a disease that is not easy to alleviate. Patients should maintain a good attitude, face it with a positive mindset, and only in this way can they increase their confidence in combating neonatal jaundice and believe that they will definitely recover.