Question
Today is the 5th day of my baby’s birth, and after going to the hospital for a check-up, the jaundice index was found to be 290. The attending physician suggested hospitalization for blue light therapy and has prescribed many medications, but the effects of other medications are not very good. Is a jaundice level of 290 in newborns severe?
Answer
This condition is quite serious. Based on the baby’s jaundice index, the baby should be classified as having pathological jaundice. If the jaundice index is too high, it poses a risk of bilirubin encephalopathy, so timely symptomatic treatment is necessary. The baby’s jaundice level is a bit high. It is recommended to expose the baby to sunlight when taking them to the hospital for ultraviolet light therapy, and in their daily routine. As long as the jaundice index can be reduced in a timely manner, there is no problem; appetite will gradually recover.