Question
Is there a potential risk if a newborn’s jaundice levels are too high? The test results show a bilirubin index of 220 units, and the baby is already 33 days old. Despite the doctor prescribing both Chinese and Western medicine, the symptoms have not improved. What are the potential consequences when neonatal jaundice is severe?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice is a normal occurrence, but pathological jaundice can be severe, potentially leading to bilirubin encephalopathy, commonly known as " kernicterus," which can cause damage to the nervous system and result in serious sequelae such as delayed cognitive development in children. Therefore, when a baby shows signs of jaundice, it should be given sufficient attention. Most newborns’ physiological jaundice usually appears within 2 to 3 days after birth, and infants with severe infections should receive early and aggressive treatment to avoid adverse outcomes.