Question
Is a newborn’s jaundice index of 255 considered severe? If a newborn shows skin yellowing within 24 hours after birth and the hospital’s jaundice index is measured at 255, what should be done?
Answer
Based on the description, the newborn’s jaundice is categorized as pathological jaundice. Characteristics of pathological jaundice include the early onset of jaundice, severe yellowing, and serum bilirubin levels exceeding 205 micromoles per liter. If the jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth and the jaundice index reaches 220, it is also necessary to consider hemolytic jaundice due to blood incompatibility. If the mother’s blood type is O, blood type testing and hemolysis tests should be conducted on the baby. Treatment options include blue light therapy and the use of albumin to promote bilirubin excretion.