High bilirubin level or Hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn or neonatal jaundice is a serious cause that should be considered for the first 7 days seen in about 9-11% of newborns.
High bilirubin level or Hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn or neonatal jaundice is a serious cause that should be considered for the first 7 days seen in about 9-11% of newborns. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia refers to high levels of bilirubin that can be toxic to the central nervous system if not treated on time.
About 60-65% of cases of high bilirubin levels in the first seven days in infants are resolved without any intervention.
But in severe cases of hyperbilirubinemia(5-10%) infants require the use of phototherapy for its treatment. Let's discuss in this article the Bilirubin normal range in infants and its types in detail.
Normal Range of Bilirubin in Newborns
- The normal range of bilirubin in newborns before birth is about 0.3 mg/dl to 1.0 mg/dL.
- The level of bilirubin that is considered critical for the infant and for which phototherapy is finally given is for about 25 - 48 hours of age.
Total cutaneous bilirubin level above 15 μg/dL
49 - 72 hours of age: Total cutaneous bilirubin level above 18 μg/dL > 72 hours of age: Total cutaneous bilirubin level above 20 μg/dL
Pathological Jaundice vs Physiological Jaundice
There are two types depending on their level, and appearance these are:
Physiological Jaundice: In physiological jaundice, bilirubin is found in the unconjugated form with less than 15 μg/dL macrophages. Physiological jaundice occurs 24-72 hours after birth. In this type, the bilirubin levels peak after 4 or 5 days of birth and finally disappear when the baby is 10 - 14 days old.
Pathological jaundice: When the bilirubin levels in a newborn exceed the normal level, it is called pathological jaundice it requires medical attention as it may be lethal for the newborn. The macrophages are when the macrophages are greater than 5 diphtheria/dL/day within 24 hours of birth.
Conclusion
Neonatal jaundice is a very common condition that appears during the first 7 days days. That requires careful observation and monitoring within time In most cases, it resolves on its own, but under severe conditions phototherapy is effective. Now that you are well aware of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia,
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I reduce my baby's bilirubin level?
There are many ways to reduce bilirubin levels these are, phototherapy, exchange transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin, enhanced nutrition etc
Can bilirubin levels increase after phototherapy?
In some cases, bilirubin levels may rise back after phototherapy. In such a case, follow-up and other treatment options are also considered for the child.
Is phototherapy a safe treatment option for hyperbilirubinemia?
Yes, phototherapy is a very safe and effective treatment option for hyperbilirubinemia because there are no rays involved that can harm your baby. Treatment is most effective when the baby has maximum skin exposure to light.
19 mg/dL considered a high bilirubin level in newborns?
Total serum bilirubin level of more than 5 mg/dL/day or a level is above 17 mg/dL during the first 24 hours after birth, considered hyperbilirubinemia.
