Question
At what level of jaundice can a newborn be discharged?
Answer
Jaundice is a common symptom in newborns, categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually appears 2 to 3 days after birth, reaches its peak between 4 and 5 days, and can return to normal within 7 to 10 days. Pathological jaundice can appear at any time after birth, lasts longer, and poses greater harm to the baby. The level of jaundice at which a newborn can be discharged depends on the doctor’s judgment and the baby’s physical condition. Generally, doctors will consider the baby’s jaundice index, the duration of jaundice, and other related factors. If the baby’s jaundice index drops to a lower level and the doctor believes that the baby is in good physical condition with no other complications, discharge can be considered. However, the specific discharge criteria need to be determined by the doctor based on the actual situation.