Patient's question:
I just had a baby, and I noticed that my child's skin is particularly yellow. I heard from others that this is jaundice, and it's nothing to worry too much about—it might be physiological. However, I still want to take her for a check-up and wonder why thyroid tests are required for newborn jaundice?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually occurs 2-3 days after birth. The jaundice subsides within 5-7 days after birth, does not exceed 2 weeks, and the bilirubin level does not exceed 12, requiring no treatment. Pathological jaundice is associated with primary diseases, has a severe degree of jaundice, a prolonged course, and a bilirubin level greater than 12. It may be accompanied by clinical symptoms and even cause bilirubin encephalopathy, requiring treatment of the primary disease and reducing treatment for jaundice. Considering thyroid diseases, it is recommended to take the baby to the hospital for blood routine tests, bilirubin tests, thyroid function tests, and thyroid ultrasound to determine the cause.