Question
The neonate developed jaundice, and after five days of blue light therapy, the jaundice level dropped from 14.2 to 18.2, with two days without treatment. The mother’s blood type is O, while both the father and the infant have blood type B. Why did the jaundice level not decrease significantly? Is it possible that it is pathological jaundice or hemolytic jaundice? How should it be handled?
Answer
Given the mother’s and the infant’s blood types, there is indeed a possibility of ABO hemolytic disease. While blue light therapy can temporarily alleviate skin jaundice, hemolysis in the blood continues to produce jaundice, resulting in an overall insignificant decrease in jaundice levels. It is recommended to conduct hemolysis tests and blood hemolysin antibody tests to diagnose neonatal hemolytic disease. In terms of treatment, continue with blue light therapy, and if diagnosed with hemolytic disease, consider treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.