Patient's question:
A 45-day-old baby has jaundice at 7.8 on the forehead and 4.8 on the body. The health station refuses to administer vaccinations due to high jaundice levels. Why is the forehead level high while other parts are normal? What can be done to reduce jaundice?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, resulting in the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. It is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns. This condition can be categorized into two major types: physiological and pathological. Bilirubin measurement primarily involves blood tests to check bilirubin concentration or non-invasive skin measurements, typically performed on the forehead, chest, and limbs. It is recommended to consult a doctor after testing to assess the child's condition.