Question
Why did the newborn’s jaundice recur on the 9th day after it subsided on the 7th day, and why did the liver function test show elevated total bilirubin levels?
Answer
Jaundice in newborns is common within a few days after birth and usually resolves on its own. However, some newborns may experience a recurrence of jaundice. According to the provided information, this newborn experienced a recurrence of jaundice on the 9th day after it had subsided on the 7th day, and a subsequent liver function test showed elevated total bilirubin (TBIL) levels of 27.8mg/dl, with direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels of 5.8mg/dl. Further examination showed that the liver and gallbladder functions were normal. The elevated total bilirubin levels may be due to either physiological or pathological reasons. Physiological reasons include physiological jaundice in newborns, which typically resolves within a few weeks without harm. Other physiological factors such as long-term alcohol consumption or intense exercise may also lead to elevated total bilirubin levels. Pathological reasons may involve diseases of the hepatobiliary system, such as cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, acute icteric hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, hemolytic jaundice, gallstones, and pancreatic head cancer. Elevated total bilirubin levels caused by pathological reasons should be promptly examined and treated to identify the underlying cause. Long-term elevated total bilirubin levels may lead to liver pain in the region.