Question
My baby is 6 days old, with a jaundice level of 22 and a total bilirubin level of 338. The local doctor advised transferring to a hospital and possibly needing a blood exchange. Is this serious?
Answer
The blood test values are significantly elevated. Newborns have an underdeveloped brain, and bilirubin may enter the brain causing damage, necessitating active treatment. Conservative treatment is ongoing, and a blood exchange may be required. The normal jaundice level for a full-term baby in one day is 18, but the total bilirubin level was not measured. Head hemorrhage in infants may cause jaundice, and blood has been drained from the hematoma today. The hematoma in the head may affect the jaundice condition. Jaundice is caused by absorbing the breakdown products of the hematoma’s red blood cells.