Question
What should be done if a newborn’s alpha-fetoprotein index is significantly higher than the normal range during jaundice treatment?
Answer
During newborn jaundice treatment, if the alpha-fetoprotein level is abnormally high, it may be related to hepatitis or liver tumor. Although alpha-fetoprotein levels in newborns are usually higher than in adults, the abnormally high level in this case requires further examination to rule out the possibility of liver-related diseases. It is recommended to undergo an abdominal MRI and test for indicators such as the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus.