Question
The newborn began taking Yinzhi Huang to control the jaundice level on the 10th day, and started blue light therapy on the 25th day. The condition of jaundice improved after treatment, but the jaundice level once reached 19 during the treatment process. Is such a sudden increase in jaundice levels a risk factor for kernicterus?
Answer
Newborn jaundice is a common condition caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism during the neonatal period, leading to elevated bilirubin concentration in the blood, which results in yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. According to the description, this may be related to pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice requires blue light therapy to reduce bilirubin levels and prevent the occurrence of kernicterus.