How harmful is pathological jaundice to newborns?

Pathological jaundice can be very harmful to newborns. If not treated in time, it may lead to acute bilirubin encephalopathy, kernicterus, and even irreversible brain damage, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Parents need to pay close attention and seek medical attention immediately if any abnormal signs occur.

Pathological jaundice refers to an abnormal jaundice state caused by pathological factors, and its causes include neonatal hemolytic disease (such as ABO or Rh incompatibility), infection (such as intrauterine infection, sepsis), impaired liver function or bile duct obstruction. Unlike physiological jaundice, pathological jaundice usually appears within 24 hours after birth, or the serum bilirubin rises too quickly (>5mg/dl/day), or the direct bilirubin rises abnormally. If this high level of unconjugated bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier, it can cause toxic damage to brain cells, manifested as drowsiness, weak sucking, screaming and other symptoms. In severe cases, long-term sequelae such as hand and foot cramps, visual and auditory impairment, and intellectual disability may occur, and even death caused by kernicterus.

Phototherapy is a common method for the treatment of pathological jaundice, which uses blue light to convert unconjugated bilirubin into an excretable form. If phototherapy is ineffective, exchange transfusion therapy can be considered to quickly reduce bilirubin levels by replacing blood. Treatment of the underlying cause is essential, such as the use of immunoglobulin for hemolytic jaundice or correction of maternal-fetal blood type incompatibility. For jaundice caused by infection, antibiotic treatment is required to control the infection. Parents should also note that newborns should strengthen feeding during jaundice and ensure adequate fluid intake to help bilirubin excretion.

When caring for the baby at home, parents should pay attention to whether the baby's skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, and pay attention to the baby's activity, crying and feeding. If abnormal symptoms such as early onset of jaundice, expansion of the jaundice area, mental depression or sharp crying are found, the baby should be evaluated and treated by a doctor immediately. The jaundice level of the newborn should be checked regularly within 2 weeks after birth to avoid delays in the disease.