Question
When a newborn shows signs of jaundice, under what circumstances is blood transfusion treatment required?
Answer
Physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon. If the child is not uncomfortable, there is no need to worry excessively. At this time, glucose water can be given to promote the excretion of bilirubin through its diuretic effect. In addition, it is important to actively treat any acute or chronic diseases that may lead to the prolongation or worsening of physiological jaundice. At the same time, careful observation of the changes in jaundice is necessary to distinguish it from pathological jaundice. If symptoms such as low muscle tone, loss of appetite, weakened suckling reflex, fever, vomiting occur, medical attention should be sought immediately to avoid missing the treatment window. It should be known that although most cases of jaundice are easy to treat, if the bilirubin concentration is too high, it may even lead to kernicterus, causing damage to the nervous system and potentially resulting in movement disorders, cerebral palsy, and hearing problems, even posing a risk to life. Parents should closely monitor the changes in jaundice and undergo monitoring in the hospital. Typically, if the bilirubin measured percutaneously is below 12.9 mg/dL, hospitalization for treatment is required. Currently, phototherapy is commonly used to treat pathological jaundice in newborns. Through phototherapy, bilirubin in the body can be converted into other substances and excreted from the body, stabilizing the symptoms of jaundice. Phototherapy is harmless to liver function, and once the child’s liver matures, it can process bilirubin on its own and return to a normal state. However, if phototherapy is ineffective, medication or blood transfusion treatment may be needed. If jaundice is due to…