Is a neonatal jaundice value of 15 normal?

A neonatal jaundice value of 15 is usually within the range of physiological jaundice, but it still needs to be observed and followed up regularly to confirm whether it will disappear on its own or develop into pathological jaundice. Next, the type of jaundice needs to be determined based on the cause, and if necessary, treatment measures such as dietary adjustment and blue light irradiation should be taken.

1 Causes of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice is a normal phenomenon, usually occurring 2-3 days after birth. Because the liver function is not fully developed, it cannot efficiently remove bilirubin, resulting in a slightly yellowish skin color. However, if the value exceeds the normal range, the physiological peak of the jaundice value is generally less than 12-15 mg/dL, so be alert to pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice may be caused by the following factors:

①Genetic factors: such as G6PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, which can lead to hemolytic jaundice;

② Environmental factors: such as breast milk jaundice, some breast milk components will inhibit the metabolism of bilirubin in the liver of newborns;

③ Physiological and pathological diseases: such as fetal-maternal blood incompatibility, infection, hepatobiliary system abnormalities, biliary atresia, etc.

2How to adjust and treat?

① Physiological jaundice: For most physiological jaundice, no special treatment is required, and it will usually disappear naturally after 10-14 days. Parents only need to pay attention to observation and keep the newborn in a good feeding state. If breastfeeding is adopted, it is recommended to feed once every 2-3 hours to promote the excretion of bilirubin with stool.

② Blue light irradiation therapy: When the jaundice value is higher, blue light irradiation phototherapy can be used to decompose bilirubin through light and help it be excreted from the body. It needs to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, and generally obvious results can be seen in a short time.

③ Exchange transfusion therapy: For extremely severe or rapidly increasing pathological jaundice, exchange transfusion therapy may be required. If the jaundice value exceeds 20 mg/dL, it can quickly remove excess bilirubin in the blood and prevent the occurrence of bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus.

The neonatal jaundice value of 15 generally needs to be judged comprehensively based on the specific onset time, symptoms and development of the child. If parents find that their child's skin or eyes have become obviously yellow, or are accompanied by drowsiness or abnormal crying, they should take their children to a pediatrician as soon as possible for further testing. Timely intervention can not only better monitor the changes in jaundice, but also avoid the development of pathological causes that may lead to serious health problems.