What is the cause of high jaundice in newborns and what are the dangers

Neonatal jaundice is usually caused by the accumulation of bilirubin due to multiple factors such as the incomplete metabolism of the newborn, incompatibility of blood types between mother and baby, or infection. The cause should be identified in time to avoid the development of pathological jaundice, which can cause hearing loss, brain damage and other serious hazards.

1) Causes of high neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is caused by increased bilirubin concentration in the blood and includes two types: physiological and pathological.

①Genetic factors: Some newborns may inherit some metabolic defects, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, which may make them more prone to jaundice.

② Environmental factors: Incompatibility of blood types between mother and baby is one of the common causes. For example, if the mother is type O blood and the newborn is type A or B blood, it may lead to hemolytic jaundice. Immature liver function in premature infants can also lead to abnormal bilirubin metabolism.

③ Physiological factors: Neonatal physiological jaundice is mostly caused by the temporary accumulation of bilirubin due to the incomplete development of liver metabolic function, which often occurs 2-7 days after birth.

④ Pathological factors: Intrauterine infection, sepsis, biliary atresia and other diseases in the mother can make it difficult to metabolize bilirubin, resulting in pathological jaundice.

2) The harm of high neonatal jaundice

If jaundice is not controlled in time, high bilirubin may cause the following consequences:

① Acute bilirubin encephalopathy: High concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin penetrate the blood-brain barrier and produce toxicity. In severe cases, it may cause epilepsy and nervous system damage.

② Hearing loss: Areas that are more sensitive to bilirubin toxicity include the auditory nerve, and newborns may experience hearing loss or even hearing loss.

③Chronic kernicterus: Severe pathological jaundice can cause symptoms of kernicterus, such as abnormal muscle tone, intellectual disability and other irreversible consequences.

3) Solutions to high neonatal jaundice

① Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a common method of treating jaundice. It decomposes bilirubin through blue light irradiation and excretes it from the body.

② Exchange transfusion therapy: For severe hemolytic jaundice, exchange transfusion therapy can be used to remove bilirubin and reduce the risk of poisoning.

③Drug treatment: Oral phenobarbital and other drugs can promote bilirubin metabolism, but they should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Vitamin K injection can prevent complications of coagulation disorders.

④ Breastfeeding adjustment: Breastfeeding jaundice is common. Under the doctor's advice, you can stop breastfeeding for a short period of time and use formula milk instead to observe changes in symptoms. You can resume breastfeeding after the jaundice improves.

High jaundice in newborns is a common phenomenon, but parents need to pay great attention to its type and potential harm, and seek medical examination in time for a clear diagnosis. If the jaundice exceeds the physiological range, targeted treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor to avoid irreversible effects on the baby's health due to delay. At the same time, regular prenatal check-ups and regular follow-up visits after the baby is born can effectively avoid risks in advance.