Question
I just had a baby, and I noticed that my child’s skin is particularly yellow. I’ve heard that this is jaundice in children, and it’s not too concerning, possibly physiological, but I still want to have her checked. So, why do newborns need thyroid tests for jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually occurs within 2-3 days after birth. The jaundice usually subsides within 5-7 days after birth, with the bilirubin level not exceeding 12, and no treatment is required. Pathological jaundice has an underlying disease, with severe jaundice, a long course, and bilirubin levels exceeding 12, which may be accompanied by clinical symptoms and even lead to bilirubin encephalopathy. Treatment of the underlying disease is necessary to reduce the treatment of jaundice. Understanding why thyroid tests are conducted can help determine the cause of the jaundice. It is recommended to take the baby to the hospital for routine blood tests, bilirubin tests, thyroid function tests, and thyroid ultrasound to determine the cause of the jaundice.