The harms of neonatal jaundice

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on June 22, 2025

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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns. It can be a manifestation of normal development in newborns, or it could be a symptom of certain diseases. Generally, neonatal jaundice is classified into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Babies with physiological jaundice are generally in good condition and the jaundice will quickly recede, having little impact on the baby and posing no harm. However, if the jaundice appears early, progresses quickly, is severe, or lasts for a long time, it is then considered whether it might be pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice could be an external manifestation of some diseases, such as severe infections, where intense jaundice might be the only symptom. If such cases of jaundice are not promptly intervened and treated, they could lead to kernicterus, potentially affecting future cognitive and auditory function, or even causing significant developmental delays in motor skills. Additionally, if there is abnormal liver and gallbladder function and elevated jaundice is not treated in time, severe cases can lead to liver failure. Significant liver failure can be life-threatening. Therefore, for pathological jaundice, timely medical intervention and treatment are recommended.

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Newborn jaundice should see which department?

If a newborn has severe jaundice, it is important to consider the type of hospital you visit. If you go to a specialized children's hospital or a larger tertiary hospital with a pediatric department, there are generally specific outpatient services for newborns where you can seek treatment either at the newborn specialty clinic or at the general pediatric outpatient clinic. If it is outside of regular working hours, such as at noon, in the evening, on weekends, or during public holidays, it is usually appropriate to visit the pediatric emergency department. If you go to a smaller scale hospital, or a clinic or health center, you should see a pediatrician if one is available; if not, you should see an internal medicine doctor. Regardless of the situation or which hospital or doctor you visit, if the newborn's jaundice progressively worsens, it is advisable to seek medical attention at a larger hospital for examination and treatment.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng

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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 Yao Li Qin

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Neonatal jaundice is divided into several types.

Neonatal jaundice, also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the body, causing yellowing of the skin or other organs; it is the most common clinical issue during the neonatal period, with over 80% of normal newborns experiencing some skin yellowing shortly after birth. Neonatal jaundice is mainly divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is a normal phenomenon. Pathological jaundice, however, includes conditions such as excessive production of bilirubin, metabolic disorders of bilirubin, bile excretion disorders, and various other factors causing pathological jaundice. Thus, pathological jaundice requires active treatment and will not subside on its own.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 15sec

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Neonatal jaundice blue light therapy

Blue light therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for neonatal jaundice, mainly targeting jaundice due to elevated indirect bilirubin. The principal mechanism of phototherapy involves transforming bilirubin into isomers, turning it from lipid-soluble to water-soluble, which can then be excreted through bile and urine without liver synthesis. Generally, the need for light therapy indicates a severe level of jaundice, but it is important to ascertain the type of bilirubin elevation before starting treatment. If the elevation involves conjugated bilirubin, light therapy will not be effective. Thus, if light therapy is necessary, it should be confirmed that the liver function issue involves elevated indirect bilirubin, in which case the effects of phototherapy are usually positive. The duration of treatment typically depends on the degree of jaundice and whether there are any complicating pathological factors. The method usually involves intermittent light exposure, generally spanning six to twelve hours. If the jaundice is more severe, continuous phototherapy lasting twenty-four to forty-eight hours might be required to reduce the bilirubin levels.

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Can neonatal jaundice be effectively treated?

Neonatal jaundice refers to the development of jaundice involving the whole body's skin and mucous membranes in newborns. For physiological jaundice in newborns, it can heal naturally. For pathological jaundice in newborns, with active treatment, including phototherapy, etiological treatment, and when necessary, administration of medications such as albumin and globulin, the more severe cases may require blood exchange treatment. Through the aforementioned treatments, neonatal jaundice can be effectively managed, so parents need not worry. If you notice jaundice in your child, actively take them to the hospital to cooperate with the doctor's treatment. In most cases, a satisfactory treatment outcome can be achieved. Parents can be reassured in this regard. (Please follow the guidance of a specialist for specific medications and do not medicate on your own.)