Which department should a newborn with jaundice go to?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on December 14, 2024
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If a newborn has jaundice, it is first necessary to distinguish whether it is physiological jaundice or pathological jaundice. For physiological jaundice, it is self-healing, so there is no need to visit a hospital.

As for pathological jaundice, it occurs within 24 hours after birth, or the daily increase in jaundice is particularly large, exceeding the normal range. In such cases, the child should be taken to the hospital for timely medical treatment. Generally, for general hospitals, it is appropriate to visit the pediatric department. If it is a children's hospital or a municipal maternal and child health hospital, then the child should be taken to the neonatology department. Neonatologists will actively treat the child's jaundice and, as a rule, pathological jaundice requires hospitalization.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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
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How to treat neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon during the neonatal period and generally falls into two categories: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. As the name suggests, physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon. It typically appears in full-term babies on days 2-3, peaks on days 4-5, and gradually decreases around day 7, and completely subsides within two weeks. This type does not require intervention as the baby is generally in good condition and usually does not need treatment. Jaundice that appears early, progresses quickly, is severe, or lasts a long time is considered pathological jaundice. The diagnosis of pathological jaundice is generally made by a doctor. It is recommended that babies be monitored daily for jaundice within the first two weeks after birth. Based on the bilirubin levels, if it is high, it is advisable to seek a thorough examination from a neonatologist. Pathological jaundice requires timely intervention, especially considering liver function. If there is a significant increase in indirect bilirubin, this type of jaundice can be neurotoxic. Persistent high jaundice might affect the brain, so prompt intervention is necessary. Hospitalization for jaundice treatment will depend on the cause, and treatment will be symptomatic. The cause might be other pathological factors; removing the cause while treating the jaundice is the usual approach. Common treatment for high indirect bilirubin involves phototherapy. If conjugated bilirubin is elevated, the underlying cause might be more complex and treatment more challenging. Therefore, if jaundice is detected and there is uncertainty, it is advised to promptly visit a hospital for intervention by a neonatal specialist and necessary treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What to do with neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common disease in newborns, mainly characterized by yellowing of the skin. Generally, normal babies also exhibit jaundice, but this is a type of physiological jaundice. If the baby's jaundice appears early, such as within twenty-four hours, or if the jaundice progresses rapidly with significantly rising jaundice levels, or if it is particularly severe, or if the jaundice lasts for a long duration, or if the jaundice recurs after fading, these are considered pathological jaundice. It is generally advised for pathological jaundice to consult a neonatal specialist for a detailed examination of the baby to determine whether treatment intervention is necessary. If the jaundice is severe and parents are worried, it is recommended to go to the hospital in a timely manner, as hospitalization for treatment may be needed. If the jaundice level is too high and there are some pathological factors, and parents are unable to observe the baby well and the baby's condition is not good, and the jaundice continues to rise, it could potentially progress to the brain, leading to bilirubin encephalopathy, which is a serious complication. Therefore, high jaundice levels still require timely intervention. If the jaundice is at its peak, it is recommended to test for jaundice daily, as timely intervention when jaundice levels are high can prevent serious complications.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice generally appears on the 2nd to 3rd day after birth and can manifest with yellowing of the skin, conjunctiva, and oral mucosa. The degree of jaundice varies, usually more noticeable on the face and chest, but not present on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is most apparent on the 4th to 6th day after birth. The duration of jaundice also varies; in full-term infants, jaundice typically subsides within 10-14 days after birth, whereas in premature infants, it can last until the third or even the fourth week. During this period, infants with physiological jaundice are generally in good condition without any other discomfort and do not require treatment. However, pathological jaundice must be investigated for its cause. Pathological jaundice is primarily characterized by an early onset, severe degree, prolonged duration, or recurrence of jaundice. In such cases, it is classified as pathological jaundice, and it is crucial to actively search for the cause and treat accordingly based on the identified cause.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Will neonatal jaundice recur?

Neonatal jaundice is a common symptom during the newborn period. It can be a symptom of normal growth and development or an indication of certain diseases. Jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally appears two to three days after birth, reaches its peak around four to five days, and subsides around ten days. Generally, the duration of jaundice in babies does not exceed two weeks, and the situation is usually manageable. Once physiological jaundice has subsided, it does not recur. If jaundice reappears after it has completely resolved, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate pathological jaundice. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's condition. If it is confirmed that the pathological jaundice needs treatment, it is recommended to intervene and treat it early.