Newborn jaundice can be divided into several types.

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on January 01, 2025

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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom of the normal developmental process of newborns, or it can be a manifestation of certain diseases. Neonatal jaundice is relatively common in newborns, with about 80% of full-term infants visibly showing jaundice. Jaundice is classified into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. If it is pathological jaundice, there are different classifications. Based on different characteristics of bilirubin elevation, it is divided into high direct bilirubinemia and high indirect bilirubinemia. Physiological jaundice does not require intervention. However, if it is pathological jaundice, it is necessary to clarify its classification and determine which type it belongs to. Generally, if it is pathological jaundice, timely intervention and treatment are needed. If untreated, and if the jaundice level significantly increases, it may lead to serious complications.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 35sec

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How should newborns with jaundice sunbathe?

Generally, when we say that the jaundice level is high, doctors might suggest sunbathing when it approaches pathological values, and possibly taking probiotics with live bacteria to help the baby recover from jaundice. Normally, for sunbathing, it is advised not to do it through glass, and to expose the skin directly to the sun, but you should not expose the baby's eyes directly to the sun because the ultraviolet rays are too strong and may damage the eyes. Additionally, when sunbathing, if it is during the cooler seasons like winter, spring, or autumn, it is important to ensure the baby does not catch a cold. If it is summer, avoid sunbathing during times when the sun is too strong, as the baby's delicate skin might get sunburned, potentially causing harm. Therefore, it is generally best to choose conditions when the temperature is mild and the wind is not too strong, then pay attention to keeping warm or avoiding sunburn. Generally, it is not recommended to use sunscreen or shade for sunbathing; direct exposure of the skin is needed. Parents should consider the actual condition of the disease and try to make the baby as comfortable as possible, avoiding colds or sunburn. If sunbathing is not effective, it is advisable to promptly visit the hospital for a doctor to determine if treatment intervention is necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 18sec

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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

1min 2sec

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Can newborns with jaundice drink water?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in the early stages. It can be categorized into physiological and pathological jaundice. If it is early-stage neonatal jaundice, the general condition of the infant is still good, but the progression of jaundice can be quick with noticeable reduction in urine and stool output, and dry skin may occur, possibly due to insufficient feeding. At this point, it is necessary to strengthen feeding. If the mother's breast milk is clearly insufficient, or the baby hardly gets any milk from breastfeeding, then supplemental feeding is required. Usually, supplemental feeding primarily involves formula feeding, and generally, babies are not given water because both breast milk and formula provide sufficient hydration. Hence, it is generally recommended not to give water to newborns with jaundice; instead, simply increase feeding.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

58sec

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What should be done if a newborn's jaundice is higher than 275?

The newborn's jaundice level has already exceeded 275, indicating that the jaundice is elevated. Typically, when jaundice is high, it is advisable to complete liver function tests to check how high the bilirubin level is in the blood. If the bilirubin in the blood is also definitely above 275, this is certainly pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice generally suggests going to the hospital, where a specialist in neonatology will guide the treatment based on the baby's specific condition. If the baby presents with other accompanying symptoms, hospital intervention and treatment might be necessary. If the general condition is still good, the doctor might advise you to go home with medication or other interventions, with regular follow-up appointments. It is recommended that parents seek timely hospital intervention for high jaundice levels.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

2min 14sec

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Causes of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is usually considered a normal phenomenon, where the baby's jaundice can naturally recede without much impact on the baby. If it is pathological jaundice, it means that the jaundice level is high, indicating a pathological condition. Pathological jaundice can be further divided into several types, the most common being elevated direct bilirubin and elevated indirect bilirubin, each with different causes. Common causes of jaundice include increased indirect bilirubin due to infections, hemolysis, and mother-infant blood type incompatibility, such as ABO incompatibility where the mother is type O and the baby is not, or the mother has HR-negative blood and the baby has HR-positive blood. Other factors include reduced thyroid function, enzyme deficiencies such as G6PD deficiency, various types of bleeding like gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, or asphyxia at birth. Conditions like hypoxia or acidosis in the baby can also lead to increased jaundice. Additionally, liver function damage due to viral infections like hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, and other infectious diseases such as syphilis, as well as other viruses like rubella virus and herpes virus can elevate jaundice levels. Developmental abnormalities of the biliary tract, commonly biliary atresia or congenital bile duct dilation, can cause elevated conjugated bilirubin levels. The causes of jaundice are complex, and some causes might remain unidentified. However, if the baby's general condition is good and the jaundice is manageable, it generally does not affect the baby. If jaundice levels are high, it is advised to visit a hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's specific condition to determine if treatment is needed.