neonatal jaundice subsidence time

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Neonatal jaundice is a common phenomenon and a unique condition in newborns. If it is normal physiological jaundice, it generally subsides within two weeks for full-term infants born after 37 weeks. This means that after two weeks, the jaundice is essentially gone; the skin and eyes are no longer yellow, and bilirubin levels are typically below 6-7, which is considered normal. For premature infants, the jaundice generally clears within four weeks. If the jaundice persists longer, there might be some pathological factors involved, and it is advisable to visit a hospital for a thorough evaluation by a doctor to determine if any special treatment is needed.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Causes of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is relatively common and its causes are usually related to the characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, which are mainly manifested in the following aspects: First, excessive production of bilirubin; second, poor ability of plasma albumin to bind bilirubin; third, poor ability of liver cells to process bilirubin; fourth, the enterohepatic circulation is more prevalent than in adults, thus making physiological jaundice more likely to occur. Furthermore, some children are affected by breastfeeding, with a portion of breastfed babies experiencing breast milk jaundice. Other factors include pathological reasons, such as viral infections common in hepatotropic viruses like cytomegalovirus, TORCH, etc.; jaundice can also occur following exposure to cold, which can lead to decreased resistance and bacterial infections; additionally, some children have jaundice due to genetic metabolic reasons.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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neonatal jaundice safe value

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period; it can be a normal physiological phenomenon or an external manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, about 80% of full-term infants can be visibly seen having yellow-tinted skin. There is a normal range for monitoring jaundice. For full-term infants, this should not exceed 6 within the first 24 hours after birth, not exceed 9 within 48 hours, not exceed 12 within 72 hours, and not exceed 15 after 72 hours. If these values are exceeded, it is advisable to visit a hospital, where a pediatrician can conduct relevant examinations based on the infant’s specific condition. If pathological jaundice is diagnosed, timely intervention and treatment are necessary.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to deal with neonatal jaundice hemolysis?

Neonatal hemolytic disease refers to alloimmune hemolysis caused by maternal-fetal blood type incompatibility, commonly seen in life with A, B, O blood type mismatches, and Rh blood type mismatch is less common. Once neonatal hemolytic disease is diagnosed, aggressive treatment must be pursued. Initially, phototherapy treatment is recommended, commonly referred to as blue light therapy. Additionally, medication therapy for the child is necessary, frequently involving albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin, along with the use of sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis. If the aforementioned treatments do not yield satisfactory results, blood exchange treatment should be considered for the child. This mainly involves removing free antibodies and sensitized red blood cells from the blood, thereby alleviating hemolysis and ultimately achieving therapeutic goals. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Symptoms of higher neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period, with about 80% of full-term infants visibly exhibiting jaundice. Jaundice may occur as part of the normal developmental process or as a manifestation of certain diseases. It is categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. High levels of jaundice may indicate pathological jaundice. Generally, if the baby's skin and mucous membranes are obviously yellow, and the jaundice has spread to the limbs or even beyond the palms and soles, which are also notably yellow, it is a sign that the jaundice is severe. Parents can typically observe a clear yellowing of the sclera, the white part of the eyes. The baby may also show other signs of discomfort, such as significant crying and restlessness, pronounced vomiting or increased regurgitation, or even symptoms like abdominal bloating, diarrhea, reluctance to feed, prolonged feeding times, lethargy, or potentially even fever and other discomforts.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Newborn jaundice can be divided into several types.

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom of the normal developmental process of newborns, or it can be a manifestation of certain diseases. Neonatal jaundice is relatively common in newborns, with about 80% of full-term infants visibly showing jaundice. Jaundice is classified into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. If it is pathological jaundice, there are different classifications. Based on different characteristics of bilirubin elevation, it is divided into high direct bilirubinemia and high indirect bilirubinemia. Physiological jaundice does not require intervention. However, if it is pathological jaundice, it is necessary to clarify its classification and determine which type it belongs to. Generally, if it is pathological jaundice, timely intervention and treatment are needed. If untreated, and if the jaundice level significantly increases, it may lead to serious complications.