Question
Newborns started showing jaundice after five days, but there was no medical check-up until the fourteenth day after birth. The jaundice level was 18.3 in the head and 21.5 in the face and chest on the fourteenth day. Is it because of the late check-up and treatment that the jaundice level is so high? Why did the two-day blue light therapy show no significant effect? Thank you.
Answer
Newborns began to exhibit jaundice as early as five days old, with the jaundice level becoming pronounced at 18.3 in the head and 21.5 in the face and chest by the fourteenth day. Physiological jaundice typically reaches its peak within seven days and then gradually decreases. The high jaundice level at 14 days could indicate pathological jaundice. Blue light therapy is effective for treating jaundice and should be continued. Providing the newborn with increased milk intake and a small amount of water, ensuring they drink more and urinate more, can help lower the jaundice level.