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
1min 25sec home-news-image

Do newborns with jaundice need to be hospitalized?

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 Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 18sec home-news-image

How long should a newborn with jaundice be exposed to sunlight each day?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, usually appearing early in the neonatal period. It is normal for babies to exhibit signs of jaundice, typically appearing on days 2-3, peaking around days 4-5, and then subsiding within two weeks. If the baby's jaundice levels are high and close to pathological values during the peak period, it's advisable to expose them to some sunlight. It's recommended to sunbathe the baby during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentle but not too hot or too cold outside, and when there is not much wind. Sunbathing for jaundice requires direct skin exposure without the interference of glass, so ideal times are from 10 to 11 A.M. or between 3 to 4 P.M., usually for about half an hour to one hour. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight on the eyes and if the skin shows obvious signs of reddening, sun exposure should be stopped to prevent sunburn, as newborn skin is delicate. If jaundice seems significantly worse or rebounds noticeably, it is recommended to see a doctor who can decide if medical intervention is necessary and treat the condition promptly.

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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
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
1min 21sec home-news-image

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.