Question
My child’s skin turned yellow after birth. I want to know why neonatal jaundice requires a thyroid check?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually occurs 2-3 days after birth and resolves spontaneously within 5-7 days after birth, lasting no more than 2 weeks and the bilirubin level does not exceed 12 mg/dL, and does not require treatment. Pathological jaundice, on the other hand, may be caused by primary diseases, with severe jaundice and a longer course, bilirubin levels exceeding 12 mg/dL, and may be accompanied by clinical symptoms even leading to bilirubin encephalopathy, requiring treatment of the primary disease to reduce the severity of the jaundice. When considering thyroid diseases, it is recommended to bring the infant to the hospital for routine blood tests, bilirubin tests, thyroid function tests, and thyroid ultrasound to determine the cause of the jaundice.