Question
A one-month-old male infant was found to have a jaundice index of 9.9 on the fifth day after birth, and the doctor recommended hospitalization. The parents want to know if it’s necessary to follow this advice.
Answer
Jaundice is a common phenomenon in newborns, and its severity should be kept within a certain range. For a jaundice index of 9.9, whether hospitalization is necessary should be considered based on various factors. Parents should closely monitor the newborn’s fluid intake, ensuring that there are sufficient urination times per day (usually 6-8 times), as insufficient fluid intake may reduce bilirubin excretion and thereby exacerbate jaundice. Additionally, newborns should excrete meconium within 2-3 days after birth, which helps reduce the severity of jaundice. Before making a decision on hospitalization, it is recommended to discuss further with the doctor to ensure the best treatment plan.