Do newborns with jaundice need to be hospitalized?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on May 28, 2025
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
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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, how many days can it completely subside?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in early newborns. Neonatal jaundice can be a normal physiological phenomenon, but it can also be a manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, if it is physiological jaundice in full-term babies, it usually resolves within about ten days, and generally lasts no longer than two weeks. In premature babies, it tends to last longer, generally not exceeding four weeks. However, if the jaundice persists for a long time, progresses quickly, and is severe, it may be pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice might be associated with other discomforts, and in such cases, it is necessary to identify possible pathological factors and treat them accordingly to gradually control and reduce the jaundice. Therefore, if the jaundice persists for a long time, it is advisable to go to the hospital for some relevant tests to determine its nature, and if it is pathological jaundice, timely intervention and treatment are recommended.

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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What causes jaundice in newborns?

Neonatal jaundice is primarily due to the overproduction of bilirubin, which means a higher number of red blood cells are being destroyed, leading to an increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood. Additionally, there is a metabolic disorder of bilirubin in the child. The liver cells' ability to take up and bind bilirubin decreases, which can cause an increase in the concentration of unbound bilirubin in the serum, resulting in jaundice. This mainly occurs in cases of hypoxia, infection, and some congenital diseases, among others. Certain medications and reduced thyroid function can also present this symptom. The third issue is an impairment in the bile's ability to excrete bilirubin, which can occur when the child has neonatal hepatitis or congenital metabolic defects, leading to jaundice.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Causes of recurrent neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom that appears in the normal development process, or it may be a manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Typically, physiological jaundice gradually increases to a certain level and then subsides, and does not recur. If the jaundice recurs, or if it significantly increases after decreasing, or reappears after subsiding, it is definitely pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice has many possible causes, commonly including infections, hemolysis, or other genetic metabolic diseases, or some red blood cell disorders, all of which can affect the recurrence of jaundice. Therefore, if the jaundice recurs, it is advisable to visit a hospital. A neonatologist will conduct relevant examinations based on the baby's condition to confirm if it is pathological jaundice. The cause should be clearly identified for targeted treatment, followed by symptomatic treatment, and timely intervention is necessary.