Question
A newborn was found to have a high bilirubin index one month after birth, which returned to normal after medication. However, after stopping the medication and being discharged, the newborn developed jaundice again. What could be the reason for the newborn’s jaundice subsiding and then reappearing?
Answer
Based on the described situation, this may be a case of pathological jaundice, which belongs to a severe form of bilirubin encephalopathy. Bilirubin encephalopathy poses a risk of intellectual disability in children. In this case, it is recommended to seek inpatient treatment at a hospital pediatric department, using oral antijaundice medications combined with blue light therapy. Considering that the condition may not have fully recovered, it is suggested to continue collaborating with the doctor and appropriately provide the newborn with fluid supplementation in daily life, which will be beneficial for improving the condition.