Question
The newborn is three days old and the parents did not notice any jaundice until the hospital test revealed a jaundice index of 21, 24. The parents are seeking medical advice to understand how to reduce the jaundice index.
Answer
Firstly, consider whether the newborn’s jaundice is physiological. If the jaundice is not severe, it can usually resolve naturally within two weeks. If the jaundice is severe or persists, it may be pathological jaundice, requiring further medical intervention. Based on the described symptoms, it should be considered physiological jaundice. It is recommended to ensure the newborn’s warmth, start feeding early to ensure adequate water and energy intake, and promote the excretion of meconium to reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, thereby alleviating the severity of physiological jaundice. Wishing for good health!