Question
Starting from the 10th day, the newborn’s jaundice was controlled to 9.6 with the administration of Barberry, and treatment with blue light therapy began on the 25th day, resulting in the yellowing subsiding. However, there was one whole day with persistent yellowing, with a bilirubin level of around 19. Could this day lead to kernicterus?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to a condition in the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae. It is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns and can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Based on the current situation, this may be related to viral jaundice. Pathological jaundice requires blue light therapy to reduce bilirubin levels and prevent kernicterus.