Patient's question:
My baby has been born for three days, but his face is thin and his whole body is yellow. My mother said it should be jaundice. Could you please ask the doctor how to check for jaundice in newborns?Doctor's answer:
Newborn jaundice should be checked for the bilirubin index. Newborn jaundice is caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism in newborns, primarily characterized by the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes in newborns. Newborn jaundice can be divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually naturally resolves within 6-10 days; otherwise, it is pathological jaundice. Severe jaundice in newborns should be alert to kernicterus, especially in infants. The incidence of kernicterus is relatively high. Generally, jaundice will appear 12-48 hours later with symptoms such as depression, drowsiness, weakness, decreased muscle tone, sucking, and vomiting. If treated promptly, full recovery can be achieved.