Patient's question:
My little granddaughter has been in the hospital for three days since her birth, unfortunately suffering from infant jaundice. The family is very worried. Is a newborn jaundice level of 16.2 serious?Doctor's answer:
If the jaundice index is 16.2, it is relatively high. We need to go to the hospital for a blood test to further clarify the bilirubin level. We need timely blue light exposure and oral medication treatment to reduce jaundice and avoid further worsening of bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. Typically, continuous blue light exposure is needed for about a week. If it further deteriorates, a blood transfusion treatment may be required. Daily, it is also recommended to expose the child to sunlight more often and drink more water for urination.