Question
A 10-day-old female infant was found to have a bilirubin index of 14.7 during a hospital examination. The doctor recommended hospitalization for four days. The parents feel reluctant and are seeking advice on how to handle the situation.
Answer
Hello: Based on the test results you provided, if it is pathological jaundice, it is recommended to conduct a clear examination of the cause and actively treat it. If the condition is not severe, blue light therapy can be adopted. Physiological jaundice in full-term newborns usually appears 2 to 3 days after birth, reaches its peak at 4 to 5 days, and gradually subsides after 10 to 14 days. The total serum bilirubin should be less than 204UMOL/L (12mg/dl). Physiological jaundice in premature infants is more severe (less than 255UMOL/L, 15mg/dl) and takes longer to subside (about 3 to 4 weeks).