Question
Three days after birth, a newborn’s jaundice level was measured at sixteen, and jaundice appeared on the face. The doctor recommended hospitalization. Is a jaundice value of 16 in newborns considered pathological?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to a condition in which, due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism during infancy, the level of bilirubin in the blood increases, leading to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. This is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns. According to the current results of the jaundice index measurement, a jaundice index reaching 16mg/dl should be considered pathological jaundice and requires blue light therapy for jaundice reduction.