Question
Mao Mao is ten days old, and their bilirubin level is 29. After eight hours of blue light therapy, it dropped to 23. The doctor suggests a blood transfusion. Is the baby’s bilirubin level of 23 high?
Answer
Physiological jaundice usually occurs between 2-5 days after birth, and full-term infants typically see it resolve within 14 days, while premature infants take 3-4 weeks. The normal serum bilirubin level for full-term infants is usually around 257 micromoles per liter (15 mg/dL). Pay attention to prolonged jaundice or recurrence after jaundice resolves.