Question
The newborn has had jaundice since birth and has been diagnosed with pathological jaundice after examination. The baby has undergone ultraviolet light therapy and sunbathing, but the jaundice has not receded and has exceeded a month. How should neonatal pathological jaundice be handled?
Answer
The diagnostic criteria for pathological jaundice include the appearance of jaundice within 24 hours of birth, blood bilirubin levels exceeding the normal range (12.9 mg/dL for full-term infants and 15 mg/dL for preterm infants), rapid increase in jaundice levels (more than 5 mg/dL in 24 hours), prolonged jaundice clearance (more than 10 days for full-term infants and more than 2 weeks for preterm infants), recurrence of jaundice, and direct bilirubin levels exceeding 1.5 mg/dL. Based on these criteria, jaundice can be classified as physiological or pathological. Common causes of pathological jaundice include hemolytic jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice, obstructive jaundice, and others. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause and may include phototherapy, exchange transfusion, and medication. It is recommended to seek medical attention early to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.