Question
The newborn developed jaundice symptoms 3 days after birth. After testing, the bilirubin concentration increased, and the parent inquired whether the baby needs to continue with blue light therapy.
Answer
Newborn jaundice typically falls into two categories: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon, with about 60% of full-term infants and over 80% of premature infants developing jaundice within 3-5 days after birth. Generally, these infants are in good condition, with full-term infants’ jaundice resolving within 14 days, while premature infants may take up to 3-4 weeks. Pathological jaundice, on the other hand, is abnormal and may be associated with various factors, including infections, hemolytic diseases, congenital bile duct obstruction, and more. When a newborn shows early onset of jaundice, severe or rapidly progressing jaundice, prolonged duration of jaundice, or recurrence of jaundice after it has subsided, it should be considered pathological jaundice, and the underlying cause should be identified for treatment. In this case, the newborn developed jaundice symptoms 3 days after birth, and the bilirubin test results showed an increase. Additionally, the bilirubin level did not significantly decrease after discontinuing blue light therapy. It is recommended to continue monitoring the baby and conduct relevant examinations to determine the type of jaundice and take appropriate treatment measures based on the cause. Moreover, close attention should be paid to the newborn’s overall condition, such as mental state, feeding status, and stool condition. If any abnormalities are detected, medical attention should be sought promptly.