Question
My child was recently born and has been diagnosed with a jaundice level of 16.2 in the hospital. As parents, we are very worried. I would like to ask experts if a newborn with a jaundice level of 16.2 needs blue light therapy for treatment?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood during the neonatal period due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, resulting in yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera, which is a common clinical problem in newborns. According to the current jaundice test, the bilirubin index is 16.2 mg/dl. Considering pathological jaundice, blue light therapy should be administered to reduce the jaundice.