Question

The yellowing of the skin and face in neonates within one week after birth is known as physiological jaundice. What are the characteristics of neonatal physiological jaundice?

Answer

The characteristics of neonatal physiological jaundice include:

  1. Neonates exhibit good mental responses and sleep conditions.
  2. Full-term neonates usually develop jaundice 2 to 3 days after birth, reach a peak between 4 to 5 days, and disappear within 5 to 7 days, with the entire process not exceeding two weeks. Premature neonates may experience jaundice a bit later, around 3 to 5 days after birth, with a peak between 5 to 7 days, and the disappearance time extended to 7 to 9 days.
  3. The serum bilirubin level rises daily but remains below 85 umol/L or does not exceed 8.5 umol/L per hour.
  4. The bilirubin level needs to be assessed based on the neonate’s age and time. The diagnosis of physiological jaundice is influenced by various factors such as individual differences, race, region, and genetics, and is still under research.