Does neonatal jaundice require treatment?

Does neonatal jaundice require treatment?

Whether neonatal jaundice needs treatment depends on the specific situation. If it is physiological jaundice, generally no special treatment is required, just good care. But if it is pathological jaundice, it must be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.

1. Does neonatal jaundice require treatment?

1. Physiological jaundice does not require treatment

Physiological jaundice refers to temporary jaundice caused by the metabolic characteristics of bilirubin. It usually lasts 2 to 3 days after birth and disappears in about 7 to 10 days. If it is a premature baby, the duration is slightly longer. Generally, there are no obvious clinical symptoms and no special treatment is required. Let the newborn drink water.

2. Pathological jaundice requires treatment

Pathological jaundice usually occurs within 24 hours after birth, the index rises rapidly, and it takes a long time to subside. This is very harmful to the health of the newborn and must be treated as soon as possible, but breastfeeding also needs to be temporarily stopped.

How to treat neonatal jaundice

1. Medication

Neonatal jaundice can be treated with drugs. Rational use of drugs can reduce the production of bilirubin, promote the removal of bilirubin, and correct metabolic acidosis. The most commonly used drugs are albumin and immunoglobulin, followed by liver enzyme inducers.

2. Blue light therapy

Blue light therapy can also improve neonatal jaundice. Place the newborn in a phototherapy box, cover the eyes with a black eye mask, cover the perineum and anus with a diaper, and expose the rest of the skin. Continue irradiation for 2 to 48 hours to ensure that bilirubin drops to the normal range.

3. Exchange blood therapy

If neonatal jaundice drugs and blue light therapy are ineffective, exchange transfusion therapy can be considered, which can effectively reduce bilirubin and expel sensitized red blood cells. However, exchange transfusion may have some adverse reactions, so it must be performed under absolute indications.