How to treat hemolytic jaundice in children

Treatments for hemolytic jaundice in children include phototherapy, drug therapy, and exchange transfusion therapy. The cause is mainly related to neonatal hemolytic disease, blood type incompatibility, or hereditary red blood cell membrane defects. Phototherapy reduces bilirubin levels through blue light irradiation, and drugs such as phenobarbital can promote liver metabolism. In severe cases, exchange transfusion therapy is required. Neonatal hemolytic disease is often caused by maternal and fetal blood type incompatibility. Rupture of red blood cells leads to elevated bilirubin, and hereditary red blood cell membrane defects can also cause hemolysis.

1. Phototherapy is the first choice for treating hemolytic jaundice. Blue light irradiation can convert bilirubin in the skin into water-soluble substances and excrete them through urine. Phototherapy usually lasts for 24-48 hours, and bilirubin levels need to be monitored. During phototherapy, the baby's eyes need to be protected from direct light.

2. Drug treatment can help reduce bilirubin. Phenobarbital can activate the liver enzyme system and accelerate bilirubin metabolism; albumin can bind to bilirubin and reduce the risk of it entering the brain tissue; probiotics can regulate intestinal flora and promote bilirubin excretion. Drug use must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Exchange transfusion is suitable for severe hemolytic jaundice. When the bilirubin level is too high or the phototherapy is ineffective, exchange transfusion is needed to quickly reduce the bilirubin concentration. Exchange transfusion can remove sensitized red blood cells and antibodies in the blood and reduce hemolytic reactions. Exchange transfusion needs to be performed in a professional medical institution and vital signs must be strictly monitored.

4. Hemolytic disease of the newborn is a common cause of hemolytic jaundice. Incompatibility of blood types between mother and baby, such as Rh or ABO, can trigger an immune response, leading to the rupture of fetal red blood cells. Antibodies produced in the mother's body enter the fetal blood through the placenta, destroying red blood cells and releasing a large amount of bilirubin.

5. Hereditary red blood cell membrane defects can also cause hemolytic jaundice. For example, hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis, etc., have abnormal red blood cell morphology and are easily destroyed in the spleen. Such diseases require long-term management to prevent hemolytic crisis.

Children with hemolytic jaundice need to seek medical attention in time, and targeted treatment should be taken after the cause is determined. Phototherapy, drugs and exchange transfusion are the main treatments, and attention should also be paid to potential causes, such as neonatal hemolytic disease or hereditary red blood cell membrane defects. Parents should closely observe the degree of yellowing of the baby's skin, regularly monitor bilirubin levels, and follow the instructions to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.