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Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
About me
Li Jiaoyan, female, attending physician, Master of Pediatric Medicine integrating Chinese and Western medicine. Graduated from Hunan University of Chinese Medicine.
Research interests include integrating Chinese and Western medicine for neonates and pediatric internal medicine, with expertise in treating common and frequent diseases in neonates and children, as well as emergency rescue of critical conditions. Proficient in monitoring the growth and development of children in early stages, assessing their developmental levels, and providing guidance.
Proficient in diseases
Treatment of common and multiple diseases in newborns and children, as well as emergency treatment of critical illnesses, monitoring of early childhood growth and development, assessment of early childhood developmental levels, and guidance.
Voices
Neonatal jaundice blue light therapy
Blue light therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for neonatal jaundice, mainly targeting jaundice due to elevated indirect bilirubin. The principal mechanism of phototherapy involves transforming bilirubin into isomers, turning it from lipid-soluble to water-soluble, which can then be excreted through bile and urine without liver synthesis. Generally, the need for light therapy indicates a severe level of jaundice, but it is important to ascertain the type of bilirubin elevation before starting treatment. If the elevation involves conjugated bilirubin, light therapy will not be effective. Thus, if light therapy is necessary, it should be confirmed that the liver function issue involves elevated indirect bilirubin, in which case the effects of phototherapy are usually positive. The duration of treatment typically depends on the degree of jaundice and whether there are any complicating pathological factors. The method usually involves intermittent light exposure, generally spanning six to twelve hours. If the jaundice is more severe, continuous phototherapy lasting twenty-four to forty-eight hours might be required to reduce the bilirubin levels.
When does neonatal jaundice completely go away?
Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in newborns, and it can be categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is due to the bilirubin metabolism characteristics of newborns. Generally, about 50%-60% of full-term infants and 80% of preterm infants may experience physiological jaundice. The typical pattern is that the healthy condition remains good, with jaundice appearing on the second to third day after birth for full-term infants, reaching a peak on the fourth to fifth day, and then gradually subsiding, but generally disappearing no later than two weeks. For preterm infants, jaundice usually appears from the third to fifth day after birth, peaks between the fifth and seventh day, and then gradually declines, typically not exceeding four weeks. Therefore, if it is physiological jaundice, it has a certain timeframe. If it is pathological jaundice, the duration of jaundice can vary depending on the cause, whether there was timely intervention and treatment, and the effectiveness of the treatment. Thus, if the jaundice progresses quickly and is severe, it is crucial to promptly visit the hospital, where neonatal doctors can assess the baby's condition and intervene if necessary.
Do newborns with jaundice need to be fed water?
Neonatal jaundice does not require the feeding of water. Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom that appears during the normal development process of a newborn, or it can be an indication of certain diseases, with severe cases possibly leading to brain damage. Generally, about 80% of full-term infants can be observed to have jaundice with the naked eye. It is important for newborns with jaundice to differentiate between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. If it is physiological jaundice, no intervention is needed. However, if it is pathological jaundice, it is necessary to investigate the related causes and then manage it timely. Sometimes parents might hear that good bowel and urinary functions might lessen jaundice, and this is true. If the child has fewer bowel movements and less urine, and if feeding is insufficient, the jaundice can worsen. Therefore, in newborns, especially early newborns, it is crucial to ensure adequate feeding. Generally, if the baby is breastfed, the water content in breast milk is usually sufficient, so there is no need to add extra water. Additionally, if breast milk is not sufficient, ensuring the baby’s nutrition is important, and supplementing with some formula may be appropriate. It is generally recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months without adding any other special foods or medicines, unless there are special medical indications. Thus, neonatal jaundice does not require the feeding of water.
Do newborns with jaundice need to be hospitalized?
Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in premature newborns. It can either be a normal developmental symptom or an indication of certain diseases. In severe cases, it can lead to brain damage. Generally, about 80% of full-term newborns show visible signs of jaundice under normal conditions. However, it is crucial to differentiate between physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally does not require intervention. If it is pathological jaundice, timely intervention and treatment are necessary because it can be an indication of various diseases. Without timely intervention, the baby might develop other serious complications. The most severe cases can see a continuous increase in bilirubin levels that might enter the brain, leading to kernicterus, and even cause hearing loss, possibly endangering life. Generally, if jaundice persists for a longer time, progresses rapidly, and is severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. If it is pathological jaundice, hospitalization for timely treatment is necessary. Neonatal jaundice is a critical indicator that requires close attention and monitoring.
How long should a newborn be exposed to blue light for jaundice?
If a baby's jaundice requires blue light therapy, it indicates that the jaundice is quite severe and is pathological. Blue light is one of the most effective treatments for jaundice, typically administered either continuously or intermittently. Continuous exposure is generally for a longer duration, such as for more severe conditions like hemolysis or serious infections, which cause a significant increase in jaundice levels, and typically requires 24 to 48 hours of continuous light treatment. If the jaundice is not very severe but still elevated, intermittent light treatment is usually adopted, lasting anywhere from 6 to 16 hours. Generally, if the jaundice does not rebound significantly after light treatment, there is no need for further light exposure. However, if the jaundice rebounds, additional treatment may be necessary. The duration of light therapy for jaundice depends on the baby's condition. If the cause of the jaundice is identified and treated, and the condition stabilizes, the duration of blue light therapy may be reduced. However, if the jaundice repeats or rebounds severely and is associated with significant pathological factors that are not fully controlled, then the treatment duration for jaundice will be longer.
Can rickets be cured?
Rickets is a type of disease caused by a lack of vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, and resulting in abnormal bone development. The most common form of this disease is nutritional rickets caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. This type of rickets is curable as it is a self-limiting disease. Generally, timely supplementation of vitamin D and calcium, along with sufficient outdoor activities, can lead to recovery after treatment. However, there are some special cases, such as severe liver and kidney diseases, which require addressing the root cause before the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be alleviated. Additionally, there are some genetic diseases for which vitamin D supplementation is ineffective, making their treatment more challenging.
What are the dangers of neonatal jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common symptoms during the newborn period and may also be an indication of certain diseases. Usually, if the neonatal jaundice is within the normal range, it is referred to as physiological jaundice, which is generally not a major concern. The baby's condition is typically okay, and the jaundice tends to gradually recede on its own, having minimal impact. If the jaundice is pathological, it generally appears early, progresses rapidly, and recedes slowly. Pathological jaundice, depending on the type of bilirubin increase in the blood, can be divided into high direct bilirubin and high indirect bilirubin elevations. If the increase in indirect bilirubin is significant and continuous, there is a risk of it entering the brain, potentially leading to a severe condition known as bilirubin encephalopathy, or even kernicterus. This could result in serious neurological sequelae, possibly affecting intelligence, hearing, and in more severe cases, it might endanger the baby’s life. If there is a significant increase in direct bilirubin, it might be due to liver or biliary disease. If not treated timely, the condition might progress and potentially lead to liver damage or liver failure, which are also serious complications. Therefore, if jaundice levels are high and there is a suspicion of pathological jaundice, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and intervene with treatment in a timely manner.
neonatal jaundice standard values
Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period. It can be a normal physiological phenomenon or a manifestation of certain diseases. Jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice does not appear very early, progresses slowly, lasts a short time, and is not very severe. Generally, for jaundice monitoring, it is recommended that newborns be closely monitored for changes in jaundice. Jaundice within 24 hours after birth generally does not exceed 6 milligrams per deciliter. From 24 to 48 hours, it generally does not exceed 9, and from 48 to 72 hours it does not exceed 12. After 72 hours, the jaundice level should not exceed 15. If monitoring shows that the jaundice level exceeds the normal range, it is advisable to go to the hospital promptly. The doctor will then determine the specifics of bilirubin levels in the blood. If bilirubin in the blood is indeed elevated, timely intervention and treatment are recommended.
What are the impacts of neonatal jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common phenomena in the neonatal period. It is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Due to the metabolic characteristics of bilirubin in newborns, about 50%-60% of full-term infants and 80% of preterm infants will experience physiological jaundice. The general condition of babies with physiological jaundice is good; the degree of jaundice is not severe, it does not progress rapidly, and then the jaundice gradually subsides on its own. At this time, no intervention treatment is needed, and it has no impact on the baby. If it is pathological jaundice, where the jaundice continues to rise, if not timely intervened, it might lead to serious complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy and cirrhosis, and may even lead to sudden cessation of respiration and heartbeat, posing a threat to life safety. Therefore, timely intervention and treatment are necessary for pathological jaundice, as jaundice might be the only manifestation of some serious diseases in newborns, such as rapid progression and severe jaundice, which are indications of the illness in the baby.
Can newborns with jaundice eat probiotics?
Neonatal jaundice can be treated with probiotics. Probiotics primarily help establish a normal gut flora in newborns. Once the gut flora is established, bacteria break down bilirubin into urobilinogen, significantly reducing bilirubin's circulation in the liver, which aids in alleviating jaundice. Clinical studies have shown that formulations such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can alter the intestinal environment and reduce jaundice, especially breast milk jaundice, serving as an adjunct treatment. The reduction of jaundice with live bacteria treatment has proven effective, so probiotics can be used for neonatal jaundice.