Patient's question:
I am a new mom. I have seen many moms online talking about their babies' jaundice, and I am also quite worried that my baby might get jaundice, so I wanted to come and learn more. Could you please tell me how to prevent and treat baby jaundice?Doctor's answer:
Mainly include blood transfusion and phototherapy.① Blood transfusion: If the indirect bilirubin in serum exceeds 20 mg/dL (342 μmol/L), exchange transfusion is required. Blood donors must undergo a screening test for G6PD deficiency and must not have G6PD deficiency to be eligible to donate blood to avoid exacerbating jaundice after transfusion. Avoid blood donation from relatives. If jaundice is not severe, blood transfusion is not necessary.
② Phototherapy: Exposure of the child to light with a wavelength of 440 nm can reduce serum bilirubin levels, preventing the occurrence of kernicterus. If kernicterus has already occurred, it can help speed up recovery. After exposure to this light, bilirubin is oxidized by light into colorless substances, which are excreted from the body through urine and bile, providing a certain therapeutic effect. A simple method is to use 7 blue fluorescent tubes of 40W as the light source.