Question

The newborn has jaundice, with a yellow tint to the face and under the eyes, with a serum total bilirubin of 18 μmol/L. The birth weight is 6 pounds 8 ounces. The baby has been consuming breast milk since birth, and the mental state is good, with normal appetite and sleep, as well as normal bowel movements. It has been 20 days since birth, and initially there was no significant jaundice on the face, but now the range of jaundice has expanded.

Answer

Based on the information provided, the newborn shows signs of jaundice. Serum total bilirubin (STB) levels of 17 to 34 μmol/L are considered subclinical jaundice; 4 to 170 μmol/L is mild jaundice; 170 to 340 μmol/L is moderate jaundice; and over 340 μmol/L is severe jaundice. The STB level for the newborn is 18 μmol/L, which falls within the range for mild jaundice. Typically, neonatal jaundice naturally diminishes within the first few days after birth, but if jaundice persists or worsens, medical intervention may be required. Here are some guidance points:

  1. Regularly monitor serum total bilirubin levels to ensure that jaundice does not worsen.
  2. Continue breastfeeding while ensuring that the baby consumes enough feedings to promote the excretion of bilirubin.
  3. Keep the baby’s bowel movements regular, which helps alleviate jaundice.
  4. If jaundice persists or worsens, treatment such as phototherapy or other methods may be necessary.
  5. Follow the advice of a doctor.