Question
My newborn is 26 days old, with a total bilirubin level of 49.8, direct bilirubin of 24.3, and indirect bilirubin of 25.5. Is this severe? Could it be bile duct obstruction or bile stasis?
Answer
The normal range for newborn jaundice is based on serum bilirubin levels, with term infants not exceeding 204μmol/L (12mg/dl), and premature infants not exceeding 255μmol/L (15mg/dl). Therefore, the total bilirubin level of 49.8 falls within the normal range and should not cause serious issues. Since the total bilirubin should not exceed 85.5, it is not considered high. Therefore, it is unlikely to be a case of bile duct obstruction or bile stasis.