Will neonatal jaundice affect intelligence? Neonatal jaundice can be cured quickly by treating it this way

Jaundice is a common symptom in newborns, but some people say that jaundice will affect the intelligence of newborns. Is this true? Let’s follow the editor to see whether jaundice will have any impact on newborns.

Does neonatal jaundice affect intelligence?

Neonatal physiological jaundice is a normal phenomenon unique to the neonatal period. It is caused by excessive production of red blood cells in the fetus' blood in the hypoxic environment in the womb. Most of these red blood cells are immature and easily destroyed. After the fetus is born, excessive bilirubin is produced, which is about twice that of adults. On the other hand, the immature liver function of the newborn restricts bilirubin metabolism, causing jaundice in the newborn for a period of time. Physiological jaundice often appears 2 to 3 days after the birth of a full-term baby, reaches a peak in 4-5 days, and disappears after 5-7 days.

The child will have yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes and oral mucosa, which may be mild or severe. It is usually more obvious on the face and chest, but not on the palms and soles of the feet. It is most obvious on the 4th to 6th day, disappears on the 10th to 14th day after birth in full-term infants, and may last until the 3rd week in premature infants.

During this period, the child is generally in good condition and has no other discomfort. Although physiological jaundice in newborns is a normal phenomenon, parents should also pay close attention to observation. Generally speaking, physiological jaundice is relatively mild, the bilirubin concentration in the blood is low, and it will not affect the child's intelligence.

How to treat jaundice

Light therapy

It is a simple and effective method to reduce serum unconjugated bilirubin. The newborn is placed in a phototherapy box, with both eyes protected with black eye masks to avoid damaging the retina, the perineum and anus covered with diapers, and the rest of the body exposed. Irradiate with single-sided or double-sided light for 2 to 48 hours (generally no more than 4 days), and stop treatment when bilirubin drops below 7 mg/dL.

Exchange transfusion

Blood transfusion can effectively reduce bilirubin, replace sensitized red blood cells and alleviate anemia. However, blood transfusion requires certain conditions and may also produce some adverse reactions, so the indications should be strictly followed.

Drug treatment

Supply albumin, correct metabolic acidosis, liver enzyme inducers (such as phenobarbital), and use intravenous immune globulin.