Is a bilirubin level of 20 high for a newborn?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on November 15, 2024
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If a newborn's skin jaundice reaches a level of twenty, it is a warning sign that the jaundice is significantly elevated. It is advised to promptly go to the hospital for an examination. If the bilirubin levels in the blood are indeed that high, timely intervention and treatment are necessary. Normally, for physiological jaundice, the levels should not exceed fifteen after seventy-two hours in infants. Even during the peak period of four to five days, it should not surpass fifteen. If the jaundice noticeably increases within the first three days and exceeds twenty, the severity of the jaundice might be worse. The younger the newborn, especially with levels above twenty, the higher the risk of bilirubin entering the brain, potentially leading to bilirubin encephalopathy. Therefore, with jaundice reaching twenty, it is still recommended to promptly go to the hospital for intervention and treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
37sec home-news-image

Does neonatal jaundice cause fever?

Fever in newborns with simple jaundice is relatively rare. If a newborn has jaundice accompanied by fever, it is important to be vigilant for the possibility of sepsis. Since the symptoms of sepsis in newborns are atypical and non-specific, it is essential to take this seriously. It is recommended that parents promptly take the child to the hospital for examination. A blood culture should be performed to determine if sepsis is present. If the jaundice is excessively high, active phototherapy may be necessary to reduce the bilirubin levels.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Neonatal jaundice symptoms

Neonatal jaundice is most commonly seen in the skin and mucous membranes, and the sclera, or what we refer to as the eyes, presenting with a yellow discoloration of the white part. The most common symptom is yellowing of the skin. There may also be other symptoms such as crying and restlessness, fever, or rapid and irregular breathing. Some babies might sleep longer than usual, have difficulty feeding, or experience issues with bowel movements, such as a significant decrease in stool frequency or a reduction in urine output. These could be accompanying symptoms of neonatal jaundice. Each baby presents differently with jaundice; more accompanying symptoms often indicate a more severe condition. If the jaundice is limited to skin discoloration without other significant symptoms, it may indicate an early stage of the condition. Generally, if the jaundice is pronounced, it is considered pathological jaundice, and it is advisable to go to the hospital. A pediatric specialist can conduct relevant examinations and decide if immediate intervention and treatment are necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What is considered high for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is common during the neonatal period and can be divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice does not require intervention or treatment, and the baby's condition is generally okay. For physiological jaundice, the bilirubin level typically does not exceed 6 within the first 24 hours after birth, then not exceeding 9 from 24 to 48 hours, not exceeding 12 from 48 to 72 hours, and not exceeding 15 after 72 hours. If the monitored bilirubin levels exceed these ranges, there may be pathological jaundice, indicating abnormally high levels.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long is the incubation period for neonatal jaundice?

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
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Is it useful for newborns with jaundice to take probiotics?

Probiotics are useful for newborn jaundice. After oral administration of probiotics, they help establish a normal gut microbiota in babies and then reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, which aids in the treatment of jaundice. Common probiotics, often referred to in layman's terms as live bacteria, include species like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, or Lactobacillus, among others. These probiotics are available in pharmacies. Generally, for newborns, especially those who are breastfed and do not recover well from jaundice, oral probiotics can have a therapeutic effect on reducing jaundice, so it is suitable for newborn babies to consume certain probiotics.