Is neonatal jaundice serious?

Is neonatal jaundice serious?

Neonatal jaundice is not particularly serious, especially physiological jaundice, which does not require special treatment and can often heal on its own. However, if it is pathological jaundice, it may cause abnormal nervous system function, hepatosplenomegaly, bilirubin encephalopathy and other sequelae, and may also cause respiratory failure and cerebral palsy.

1. Is neonatal jaundice serious?

Neonatal jaundice is generally not a serious condition and is relatively mild in most cases. In particular, physiological jaundice can generally recover gradually without special intervention treatment, as long as there is sufficient sunlight. However, if it is hemolytic jaundice or other pathological jaundice, the condition may become more serious. At this time, you must remain vigilant and it is best to receive targeted jaundice treatment in the hospital.

2. The harm of neonatal jaundice

1. Abnormal nervous system function

In severe cases, neonatal jaundice often has an adverse effect on the function of the nervous system. Premature babies, in particular, are more likely to experience symptoms of neurological dysfunction such as depression, drowsiness, crying, and become irritable and cannot be coaxed at all.

2. Hepatosplenomegaly

Pathological jaundice has a great impact on the liver and spleen, and may cause hepatosplenomegaly, especially obstructive jaundice, which will affect normal growth and development, and increase complications such as liver dysfunction.

3. Bilirubin encephalopathy

Neonatal jaundice is caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism, especially high levels of conjugated bilirubin. If it persists without improvement, it may become a high-risk factor for bilirubin encephalopathy and even endanger life safety.

4. Other hazards

Severe jaundice can cause children to have poor performance response and decreased muscle tension, and affect the respiratory system, which may cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, convulsions and respiratory failure. Some children will have intellectual disabilities and may be complicated by cerebral palsy. Children may also have loss of appetite, vomiting and even milk refusal, and the prognosis is very poor.