Question
The newborn has elevated pathological bilirubin levels and brain damage was found after CT scan. Within the first three days after birth, treatment was received, and the condition was generally stable. What should I do? Could it be the developmental delay or affect activity function as the doctor said?
Answer
Jaundice in newborns comes in two forms: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice appears 2-3 days after birth, with yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, but without other symptoms, and usually resolves spontaneously within 7-10 days. Premature infants may resolve it spontaneously within 3-4 weeks. Pathological jaundice refers to persistent jaundice that does not recede, and it needs to be judged based on the bilirubin levels in the serum. If the level is higher than 205μmol/L and accompanied by other clinical symptoms, it may be pathological jaundice, requiring further medical diagnosis and treatment.