neonatal jaundice subsidence time

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Neonatal jaundice is a common phenomenon and a unique condition in newborns. If it is normal physiological jaundice, it generally subsides within two weeks for full-term infants born after 37 weeks. This means that after two weeks, the jaundice is essentially gone; the skin and eyes are no longer yellow, and bilirubin levels are typically below 6-7, which is considered normal. For premature infants, the jaundice generally clears within four weeks. If the jaundice persists longer, there might be some pathological factors involved, and it is advisable to visit a hospital for a thorough evaluation by a doctor to determine if any special treatment is needed.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What is the normal bilirubin value for newborn jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common occurrence during the newborn period, and it is routine to monitor jaundice in babies after birth until they are one month old. During the peak period of jaundice, the frequency of testing tends to increase. Normally, we say that jaundice levels should not exceed 6 within 24 hours, 9 within 48 hours, 12 within 72 hours, and ideally not exceed 15 after 72 hours. If the levels are higher than these values, or if the jaundice progresses too quickly, meaning that the rate increases by more than five milligrams per deciliter every twenty-four hours, this might indicate a pathological condition. In such cases, it is advisable to go to the hospital promptly for a specialist neonatologist to conduct a detailed examination of the baby to see if intervention is needed. Generally, if the baby's jaundice level has risen, it is best to monitor jaundice daily whenever possible after two weeks.

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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
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What does a newborn jaundice blood test check for?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period. It may indicate both normal developmental processes and certain diseases. If it is normal physiological jaundice, there is no need for blood tests. However, if pathological jaundice is suspected, blood tests are generally required. The most common test is a liver function test to determine the level of bilirubin in the blood. Additional tests might be conducted, especially if there is an incompatibility in the blood type between the mother and child. In such cases, tests for the baby's blood type and hemolysis are necessary, along with tests for common infection markers. If the mother had other abnormalities before pregnancy, further blood tests might be warranted based on potential conditions that the baby might exhibit.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 40sec home-news-image

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.