Question
Is a neonatal bilirubin level of 255 a bit high?
Answer
The normal range for neonatal jaundice is based on serum bilirubin levels. Full-term infants should not exceed 204 micrograms per liter (12 mg/dL), and premature infants should not exceed 255 micrograms per liter (15 mg/dL). This is considered normal. Physiological jaundice has minimal impact on appetite and mood, besides the yellowing of the skin. Symptoms typically resolve automatically within a month. Infants with pathological jaundice, however, will exhibit skin changes along with crying, making noises, and refusing to breastfeed. If a child shows these signs, it is necessary to take them to the hospital for examination and treatment.