normal values of neonatal jaundice

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon in the neonatal period, generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. If the baby's values are within the normal range, it may be physiological jaundice, which does not require special intervention and will resolve on its own. Typically, normal physiological jaundice appears 2-3 days after birth, peaks around 4-5 days, begins to lessen about a week later, and resolves within two weeks, generally occurring in full-term infants born after 37 weeks. It's advisable for babies to have their jaundice monitored daily within the first two weeks, especially during the peak period, from 2-3 days to about a week or around ten days, when jaundice monitoring should be more frequent. Normally, it's best if the bilirubin levels in newborns do not exceed 6 mg/dL in the first 24 hours, 9 mg/dL within 24-48 hours, 12 mg/dL within 48-72 hours, and 15 mg/dL after 72 hours. These values are generally considered acceptable. Additionally, jaundice progression should not be too rapid; if bilirubin levels rise more than 5 mg/dL within 24 hours, it indicates too rapid an increase in jaundice. In such cases, it is also necessary to go to the hospital, where a neonatal doctor should assess the baby and decide if special treatment intervention is needed.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 10sec home-news-image

How does neonatal jaundice resolve quickly?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period. It can be divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice typically appears in full-term infants two to three days after birth and peaks around the fourth to fifth day. It usually subsides around ten days and generally doesn't last more than two weeks. Physiological neonatal jaundice typically doesn't require intervention. If it is pathological jaundice, where the jaundice progresses quickly and is severe, it is important to consider whether hospital treatment is necessary. The quickest and most effective treatment for severe jaundice is phototherapy with blue light to reduce the bilirubin levels. Additionally, if there are pathological causes, such as infection or hemolysis, treatment should target these underlying causes. Even though phototherapy can reduce bilirubin levels, jaundice may rebound if the underlying issues are not promptly controlled. Therefore, treatment of pathological jaundice should focus on addressing the causes and symptomatic phototherapy.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 10sec home-news-image

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
1min 16sec home-news-image

Do newborns with jaundice feel uncomfortable?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common symptoms during the newborn period. It can be a normal physiological phenomenon occurring in the baby's development process, or it may indicate some diseases. Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Generally, the degree of jaundice in physiological jaundice is not very high, and the general condition is still okay. The baby does not show any special discomfort. However, if it is pathological jaundice, the jaundice usually lasts longer and progresses faster with a more severe degree. There might be other discomforts, such as obvious crying and restlessness, possibly even fever, and other symptoms like sleepiness or refusal to feed. Therefore, if the jaundice is slightly high, the general condition is still manageable, and parents should not worry too much. However, if there are obvious discomforts, it is recommended to visit the hospital promptly because if a newborn baby gets sick and is not treated in time, the condition can progress quickly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does neonatal jaundice need medication?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in early newborns. It is a symptom that occurs in the normal development process of newborns, but it may also be a manifestation of certain diseases. Therefore, neonatal jaundice can be a normal phenomenon, but sometimes it may be pathological. Generally, physiological jaundice, which is the normal condition, does not require intervention. Once the jaundice reaches a certain level, it will gradually subside, and the baby generally remains in good condition. At home, it is only necessary to regularly monitor the jaundice without too much worry. If the jaundice appears early and progresses quickly, it may be appropriate to take some medication to reduce the bilirubin. If the jaundice continues to rise, or the baby has other discomforts, it is then necessary to go to the hospital promptly where a neonatologist will conduct relevant examinations and intervene with timely treatment if necessary.

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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.