Question

What are the reference values for newborn jaundice? Is a jaundice level of 23 high? Does a full-month-old baby with a jaundice level of 23 require treatment? Should one choose medication, phototherapy, or wait for natural resolution?

Answer

Medically, newborn jaundice (within 28 days after birth) is referred to as neonatal jaundice. This condition is caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism during the neonatal period, leading to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Physiological jaundice usually appears 2-3 days after birth, peaks at 4-6 days, and resolves between 7-10 days, with premature infants possibly lasting longer. Apart from mild loss of appetite, there are no other clinical symptoms. If jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth, or does not resolve within 2 to 3 weeks, or worsens further or recurs after resolution, or starts appearing within 1 to several weeks after birth, it is considered pathological jaundice. The normal range of newborn jaundice is determined by the reference value of serum bilirubin.