Question
The newborn was born nearly a month ago and the bilirubin level was previously up to 20. After hospital treatment, it dropped to 17. Is a bilirubin level of 17 for a newborn considered normal?
Answer
Newborn jaundice is caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism during the neonatal period, leading to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which in turn causes yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. This is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns. It can be divided into two main categories: physiological and pathological. With a bilirubin index of 17mg/dl, it should be considered pathological jaundice. It is recommended to provide adequate fluid supplementation and use blue light therapy to alleviate the symptoms of jaundice.