Question
A one-month-old baby had a bilirubin level reach 20, which was then reduced to 17 after hospital treatment. Is a newborn jaundice index of 17 within the normal range?
Answer
A newborn jaundice index of 17 is slightly above the normal range, which should not exceed 12 degrees under normal circumstances. If the jaundice index does not decrease, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly, and medication or blue light therapy can be chosen. It is recommended to opt for blue light therapy as it has a smaller impact on the baby. Physiological jaundice usually appears 2-3 days after birth, reaches its peak between the 5th and 7th day, and gradually diminishes between the 10th and 14th day. Premature infants may experience it until 3 to 4 weeks.