Patient's question:
My child has been born for 5 days, and the jaundice level reached 18. The doctor said it was quite high and that attention needed to be paid. He said it was quite alarming, and I'm a bit worried about the child. I want to ask everyone if a newborn with a jaundice level of 18 can cause brain damage?Doctor's answer:
Due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood lead to a condition characterized by jaundice of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera, which is the most common clinical issue in newborns. Currently, it is likely physiological jaundice and should not cause bilirubin encephalopathy. Physiological jaundice refers to transient jaundice caused solely by the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism, with the only clinical symptom being mild loss of appetite. Generally, the impact is not significant, but systematic treatment is still necessary.