Patient's question:
Perform a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, and an abdominal ultrasound. The detailed examination revealed a total bilirubin level of approximately 15. The CBC results were mostly normal. The ultrasound also showed normal liver function. The baby has been referred to the Children's Hospital in Changsha for further evaluation, with a follow-up appointment scheduled in two months.History of Treatment and Effectiveness:
At two months, the baby was being treated for jaundice with a high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. The baby was admitted to the hospital with a bilirubin level of 21. After two days of blue light therapy, the level dropped to 14. Blue light therapy has now been discontinued, and medication has been administered. Brain ultrasound and CT scans were both normal. An abdominal black-and-white ultrasound showed uniform echoes but indicated hepatomegaly. CMV IgM (CMVM) was negative (-), while CMV IgG (CMVG) was positive (+).
Assistance Needed:
A series of tests have been conducted, and I noticed that the AFP level (AFP) is >3000 ng/mL (reference range: 0-9). Why is it so high? What could be the cause? Can it be treated? Can the liver be cured in this condition? Is there any interference? Could this lead to hepatitis or other complications? (Thank you very much for your quick clarification—how should this be treated and prevented.)
Doctor's answer:
How to treat high alpha-fetoprotein levels during jaundice treatment? Alpha-fetoprotein is an indicator of liver regeneration, and if it is significantly elevated, possible causes may include hepatitis or liver tumors.Advice: It is acceptable that children have much higher levels than adults, but this child's alpha-fetoprotein is too high, and further tests are needed to rule out the possibility of liver disease. It is recommended to have an abdominal MRI and check the HBV markers (two pairs of half).