Question

A newborn tested with a serum bilirubin level of 437 on the 6th day after birth, after treatment with blue light therapy and human albumin, the bilirubin level dropped to 297. Parents are worried that this condition may affect the baby’s brain, especially considering that the hospital has not yet identified the cause of the hyperbilirubinemia. The baby’s mental state and eating condition are good, and the MRI did not reveal any abnormalities. Will this treatment process and the undetermined cause have a long-term impact on the baby’s brain function?

Answer

Based on your description, your baby had a significantly high bilirubin level of 437 on the 6th day after birth, which could be due to pathological jaundice. Possible causes of jaundice include hepatocellular, cholestatic, hemolytic jaundice, as well as breastmilk jaundice. Blue light therapy or taking curcumin can help lower bilirubin levels. Since all other tests have been normal, you need not be overly concerned. At the same time, please pay attention to follow-up changes in bilirubin levels.