Patient's question:
My little nephew was born four days ago, and his face is yellow. The doctor said it's neonatal jaundice. What is the normal range for jaundice levels?Doctor's answer:
Newborn jaundice is usually normal and does not exceed 10~12 mg/dL. If it exceeds the normal range, the child is likely suffering from jaundice. If it is physiological, it is simply caused by the temporary yellowing due to the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism. Newborns will experience jaundice again 2~5 days after birth, peaking between 4~6 days, and then it will subside within 14 days. Premature infants have a longer duration of physiological jaundice. Parents do not need to worry too much. However, if it is pathological, timely rescue measures such as light therapy should be implemented. Moreover, if it is pathological, the child may have liver function abnormalities and will need further examination in the hospital.