Question
After a newborn undergoes a check-up, it is found that their bilirubin levels are elevated. What are the usual causes of high bilirubin levels in newborns?
Answer
High bilirubinemia in newborns, commonly known as jaundice, refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera during the neonatal period. This is one of the most common clinical issues in newborns. The cause is an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin, leading to an increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood. This condition can be classified into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice usually does not require special treatment, while pathological jaundice needs to be treated with blue light therapy to reduce the level of jaundice.