The harm of pathological jaundice to newborns

The harm of pathological jaundice to newborns is mainly reflected in the fact that high bilirubin levels may cause brain damage, and in severe cases may lead to kernicterus, affecting the development of the nervous system. The key to treatment is to monitor bilirubin levels in a timely manner and take measures such as phototherapy, drug therapy or exchange transfusion therapy.

1. Causes of pathological jaundice

Pathological jaundice is usually caused by a variety of factors. Genetic factors such as red blood cell enzyme defects such as G6PD deficiency may lead to increased red blood cell destruction and excessive bilirubin production. Environmental factors include maternal and fetal blood type incompatibility such as ABO or Rh blood type incompatibility, which leads to hemolytic jaundice. Physiological factors include immature liver function in newborns and insufficient bilirubin metabolism. Trauma such as birth trauma may cause red blood cells to rupture and increase bilirubin levels. Pathological factors include infections such as sepsis or biliary atresia, which further aggravate jaundice.

2. Treatment of pathological jaundice

1. Phototherapy: Blue light is used to decompose bilirubin in the skin and promote its excretion. Phototherapy is the first choice for treating neonatal jaundice, which is safe and effective.

2Drug treatment: Use drugs such as phenobarbital to promote liver metabolism of bilirubin, or intravenous immunoglobulin IVIG to reduce hemolysis.

3. Exchange transfusion therapy: When the bilirubin level is extremely high and phototherapy is ineffective, exchange transfusion therapy can quickly reduce the bilirubin concentration and prevent the occurrence of kernicterus.

3. Daily care and prevention

1Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding helps promote intestinal peristalsis and accelerates bilirubin excretion. However, attention should be paid to the possibility of breast milk jaundice, and breastfeeding should be suspended if necessary.

2. Monitor jaundice: Parents should closely observe the yellowing of the newborn's skin and whites of the eyes, and seek medical attention in time to check the bilirubin level.

3 Avoid infection: Keep the newborn's environment clean, avoid contact with sources of infection, and reduce the risk of jaundice worsening due to infection.

The harm of pathological jaundice to newborns cannot be ignored, and early detection and intervention are the key. Parents should pay attention to the monitoring of jaundice, seek medical treatment in time, and adopt scientific treatment methods to ensure the healthy growth of newborns.