Question

A newborn shows jaundice all over their body just three days after birth. At what level does the jaundice need to exceed to cause brain damage?

Answer

The impact of newborn jaundice on the brain is not solely determined by the jaundice level. However, if the jaundice level exceeds 20 mg/dL, it requires high alert. The influence of jaundice should be considered in conjunction with the baby’s birth time and jaundice index. If jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth, immediate diagnosis and treatment should be conducted. Newborn jaundice typically peaks between 4 to 6 days after birth. If the baby’s jaundice does not show signs of improvement after a week, consider the possibility of pathological jaundice, which may lead to brain damage.