What are the impacts of neonatal jaundice?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on May 06, 2025
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Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common phenomena in the neonatal period. It is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Due to the metabolic characteristics of bilirubin in newborns, about 50%-60% of full-term infants and 80% of preterm infants will experience physiological jaundice. The general condition of babies with physiological jaundice is good; the degree of jaundice is not severe, it does not progress rapidly, and then the jaundice gradually subsides on its own. At this time, no intervention treatment is needed, and it has no impact on the baby. If it is pathological jaundice, where the jaundice continues to rise, if not timely intervened, it might lead to serious complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy and cirrhosis, and may even lead to sudden cessation of respiration and heartbeat, posing a threat to life safety. Therefore, timely intervention and treatment are necessary for pathological jaundice, as jaundice might be the only manifestation of some serious diseases in newborns, such as rapid progression and severe jaundice, which are indications of the illness in the baby.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What are the dangers of neonatal jaundice?

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
1min 14sec home-news-image

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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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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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 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.