Patient's question:
Baby was born on the 6th day and went to the hospital for a thorough check-up with a bilirubin level of 437. After one day of blue light and human serum albumin treatment, it dropped to 279. Very worried that high bilirubin could harm the brain, the baby has had no complications so far and is eating, napping, and sleeping well. After 5 days of hospitalization, all tests were conducted, but the cause of the high bilirubinemia could not be found. The baby is healthy except for the high bilirubin. Will this extremely high bilirubin level harm the baby's brain nerves?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice usually reappears around 2-3 days and peaks between 4-5 days. Full-term infants naturally recover within 7-14 days, generally in good condition. Based on your description, your baby has pathological jaundice, which, if hemolysis is ruled out, is neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. There are generally multiple possible causes, such as infections or liver function abnormalities. Since your baby is feeding and napping normally, it is unlikely to have any impact on the brain. It is recommended to have a follow-up brain MRI.