What are the dangers of high neonatal jaundice? What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is a disease caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism in newborns, which exceeds their own metabolic capacity and causes an increase in bilirubin levels in the body. Neonatal jaundice can be divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice, of which pathological jaundice needs to be paid attention to. Regarding the symptoms, hazards and treatment of neonatal jaundice, let's learn about it with Qiao Ping, chief physician of Zhaoqing First People's Hospital.

What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice?

Generally speaking, the symptoms of neonatal jaundice vary according to the cause. If it is pathological jaundice, such as infectious primary disease, the newborn will have symptoms such as lack of energy and poor feeding. If it is physiological jaundice, the general condition of the newborn will be better. From the appearance point of view, the skin, mucous membranes and sclera of the newborn will turn yellow.

What are the dangers of high jaundice in neonates?

Neonatal jaundice is more harmful in the early stage and can easily cause bilirubin encephalopathy. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy will have sequelae in the later stage, namely kernicterus, which can cause intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, movement disorders, hearing impairment, visual impairment, etc. in the newborn. In the later stage of jaundice, liver function may be damaged, that is, the damage to liver function after cholestasis

Under what circumstances does neonatal jaundice require exchange transfusion therapy?

There are certain indications for exchange transfusion therapy. When the neonatal jaundice is severe, cholesterol encephalopathy may occur if the transfusion is not performed. Severe anemia in the neonate also requires transfusion to prevent bilirubin encephalopathy in the neonate. Generally, the need for exchange transfusion therapy can be diagnosed based on the neonatal gestational age, age, weight, serum bilirubin measurement value, etc.

Before treating pathological jaundice, it is necessary to identify the primary disease causing jaundice and take targeted treatment measures. Parents should pay active attention to the health of children with jaundice, pay attention to their activities and bowel movements, and arrange swimming for newborns under the guidance of professional doctors to promote blood circulation and reduce bilirubin levels. It is also necessary to pay attention to the disappearance of jaundice on the skin of newborns. If jaundice recurs or worsens, timely medical treatment is required.