Question
The baby was found to have increasing jaundice on the fifth day after birth. Upon checking at the local hospital, the jaundice level was over 400. The doctor at the hospital said the baby needed to be hospitalized, but I’m not keen on hospitalizing my baby. I want to know what effects neonatal jaundice over 400 might have?
Answer
The normal range for neonatal jaundice is based on the reference of serum bilirubin levels. Physiological jaundice refers to the presence of jaundice in babies within 24 hours of birth, which can naturally disappear within 14 days without other symptoms; pathological jaundice, however, presents with different conditions such as baby hemolytic disease, baby sepsis, baby hepatitis, congenital bile duct obstruction, and so on. When jaundice is detected in a baby, it is important to use medication tailored to the symptoms. For babies with higher levels of jaundice, hospitalization allows for better monitoring and management of the baby’s condition to ensure their health. Parents should communicate in detail with the doctor to understand the detailed treatment plan and potential effects, enabling them to make an informed decision.