Patient's question:
Is neonatal jaundice of 13.9 normal? The baby's mental state is still okay. Feeding and bowel movements are fine. The crying is quite loud. However, the doctor only said it was high and didn't mention hospitalization. They just prescribed medication. Is this considered high or just slightly above normal?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice refers to the condition during the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. The occurrence of yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera is the most common clinical issue in newborns. This condition can be classified into two major categories: physiological and pathological. Based on the current measurement of bilirubin concentration, the jaundice index is 13.9 mg/dL. Considering pathological jaundice, medical treatment or blue light therapy is required to treat the jaundice.