What are the dangers of neonatal jaundice?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on May 13, 2025
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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Neonatal jaundice peak period is a few days.

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period; it could be a normal physiological phenomenon, or it might be an external manifestation of certain diseases. Typically, physiological jaundice appears two to three days after birth, reaches its peak within four to five days in full-term infants, and may appear sooner and be more severe in preterm infants due to their less mature liver function. The peak period lasts longer for preterm babies; generally, in full-term infants, jaundice usually starts declining about a week later, subsiding around ten days, generally not lasting more than two weeks.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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Is a newborn jaundice level of 15.8 serious?

Neonatal jaundice of 15.8 is relatively high. Whether this is serious depends primarily on which day after birth the jaundice value of 15.8 appears. If it occurs within the first three days after birth, a jaundice value of 15.8 is considered serious. Furthermore, the earlier it appears, the more severe the child's condition is. For example, if the child shows a jaundice value of 15.8 at 48 hours old, it is less severe compared to it appearing within the first 24 hours after birth. Therefore, once jaundice is observed, it is important to investigate the possible causes, such as hemolytic disease, infection, infant hepatitis, or biliary atresia. Identifying the specific cause allows for targeted treatment of the condition, while also actively treating the jaundice in the child.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Which department should a newborn with jaundice go to?

If a newborn has jaundice, it is first necessary to distinguish whether it is physiological jaundice or pathological jaundice. For physiological jaundice, it is self-healing, so there is no need to visit a hospital. As for pathological jaundice, it occurs within 24 hours after birth, or the daily increase in jaundice is particularly large, exceeding the normal range. In such cases, the child should be taken to the hospital for timely medical treatment. Generally, for general hospitals, it is appropriate to visit the pediatric department. If it is a children's hospital or a municipal maternal and child health hospital, then the child should be taken to the neonatology department. Neonatologists will actively treat the child's jaundice and, as a rule, pathological jaundice requires hospitalization.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long does it take for neonatal jaundice to completely resolve?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon in newborns. Generally, if it is physiological jaundice, for full-term infants, which are babies born after a full 37 weeks, the jaundice should resolve within two weeks. For preterm babies, those born before 37 weeks, the duration may be slightly longer, possibly lasting three to four weeks, but generally, it should clear up by four weeks. If it extends beyond these durations, like more than two weeks in full-term infants or more than four weeks in preterm infants, this is considered excessively prolonged jaundice. In such cases, a visit to the hospital is necessary. Doctors need to perform relevant checks to assess the severity of the jaundice and determine if there are any pathological factors involved. If pathological factors are present, timely intervention and treatment are required.