Question
My child was born just seven days ago, and the bilirubin level was 400 on the fifth day. After two days of blue light therapy, the level this morning is 290. Do I need to continue with the blue light therapy? What is the current bilirubin index of my child?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is caused by an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, leading to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Based on the bilirubin level, doctors will determine whether to continue with blue light therapy treatment. For pathological jaundice, blue light therapy is typically administered once or twice, lasting from 2 to 48 hours, until the bilirubin level drops below 7 mg/dL.