Question
My child was born at 7:30 PM on February 3rd, and today’s check-up says the jaundice level is 13.5, which is above the normal range and requires treatment. The doctor didn’t give any explanation, just said it’s okay and to observe for a few more days. Is it pathological?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to the condition in the neonatal period where an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin leads to an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera, which is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns. With the current bilirubin test results showing a jaundice index of 13.5mg/dl, considering pathological jaundice, blue light therapy should be administered to alleviate the jaundice.