How long is the incubation period for neonatal jaundice?

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on September 05, 2024

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Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon in the neonatal period, especially in early neonates, which refers to newborns within the first week of life. About 80% of full-term infants can visually exhibit signs of jaundice. Jaundice can be categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Typically, physiological jaundice appears about two to three days after birth. If it is pathological jaundice, it may appear earlier, possibly within the first twenty-four hours after birth. Generally, if the jaundice appears early, progresses quickly, and is severe, it is necessary to intervene and treat promptly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

47sec

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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.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng

Pediatrics

44sec

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Reasons for slow resolution of neonatal jaundice

Newborns may experience physiological jaundice after birth, but due to various reasons, the jaundice may fade slower. Common causes include physiological dehydration, insufficient feeding, inadequate breast milk, or the baby having fewer and less smooth bowel movements, which can lead to physiological jaundice that also fades slowly. However, for physiological jaundice, it generally does not last more than four weeks in preterm infants and no more than two weeks in full-term infants. If the newborn's jaundice persists longer and fades slowly, pathological causes should be considered, such as whether it is due to hemolytic disease, neonatal infection, infant hepatitis, or biliary atresia.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

1min 33sec

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Does neonatal jaundice require hospitalization?

Neonatal jaundice does not necessarily require hospitalization, because the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism in newborns can lead to physiological jaundice. This happens because newborns produce an excess of bilirubin and have inadequate plasma albumin to bind with bilirubin, coupled with relatively poor bilirubin-processing ability in liver cells and distinctive characteristics in their enterohepatic circulation. Consequently, physiological jaundice is common. Babies with physiological jaundice are generally in good condition without clinical symptoms. Typically, jaundice appears on the 2nd to 3rd day after birth; for full-term infants, it usually does not last more than two weeks, and for preterm infants, it generally does not exceed one month. Moreover, the daily increase in bilirubin is not high, and the total bilirubin is not extremely elevated. In such cases, continued observation is sufficient and hospitalization is not required. However, if it is non-physiological jaundice, or pathological jaundice, hospitalization might be needed. This is indicated by jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours after birth, extremely high total bilirubin levels, or very high levels of conjugated bilirubin. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a pediatric gastroenterology clinic or a neonatal clinic promptly to investigate the cause and possibly receive hospital treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 18sec

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How long should a newborn with jaundice be exposed to sunlight each day?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, usually appearing early in the neonatal period. It is normal for babies to exhibit signs of jaundice, typically appearing on days 2-3, peaking around days 4-5, and then subsiding within two weeks. If the baby's jaundice levels are high and close to pathological values during the peak period, it's advisable to expose them to some sunlight. It's recommended to sunbathe the baby during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentle but not too hot or too cold outside, and when there is not much wind. Sunbathing for jaundice requires direct skin exposure without the interference of glass, so ideal times are from 10 to 11 A.M. or between 3 to 4 P.M., usually for about half an hour to one hour. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight on the eyes and if the skin shows obvious signs of reddening, sun exposure should be stopped to prevent sunburn, as newborn skin is delicate. If jaundice seems significantly worse or rebounds noticeably, it is recommended to see a doctor who can decide if medical intervention is necessary and treat the condition promptly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

43sec

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How to test for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is relatively common during the newborn period, with about 80% of full-term babies showing visible yellowing of the skin. Typically, jaundice is measured using a jaundice meter, such devices are available in common community hospitals as well as in major hospitals like People's Hospital or maternity and children's health facilities, or other comprehensive hospitals. This is generally done through transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. If the transcutaneous bilirubin levels are high, it is necessary to determine the specific degree of jaundice, at which point a blood test to check liver function is required to assess the bilirubin levels more precisely.