What is the normal value of neonatal jaundice index?

We all know that jaundice is a phenomenon with a very high incidence rate among newborns, and it is often the most worrying problem for many parents when the baby is born. However, jaundice generally disappears on its own after 7 to 10 days. The jaundice in some babies may be more serious, but we will see that doctors will judge whether the jaundice of the newborn is serious based on the neonatal jaundice index. Since we have little knowledge of medical knowledge and cannot understand it in time, let us understand what is the normal value of the neonatal jaundice index?

What is the normal value of neonatal jaundice index?

Physiological jaundice is a condition in which the serum bilirubin level of a newborn gradually increases from 17-51 μmol/L (1-3 mg/dl) at birth to 86 μmol/L (5 mg/dl) or above 24 hours after birth. Clinically, jaundice appears without other symptoms and disappears within 1-2 weeks. The serum bilirubin level of physiological jaundice should not exceed 204 μmol/L (12 mg/dl) for full-term infants and 255 μmol/L (15 mg/dl) for premature infants. However, some premature infants with serum bilirubin less than 204μmol/L (12mg/dl) may also develop bilirubin encephalopathy. We should be vigilant about physiological jaundice to prevent misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of pathological jaundice.

Clinical symptoms:

1. Physiological jaundice is light yellow in mild cases and is limited to the face and neck, or spreads to the trunk. The sclera may also be yellow. It will subside after 2 to 3 days, and the skin color will return to normal on the 5th to 6th day. In severe cases, the jaundice will spread to the head first and then the feet, and the vomitus and cerebrospinal fluid may also be yellow. It may last for more than 1 week, especially for some premature infants, which may last up to 4 weeks. Their stool is still yellow and there is no bilirubin in the urine.

2. The color of jaundice is light pink in mild cases and darker in severe cases, but the skin is rosy with red in yellow.

3. Jaundice is mostly seen on the trunk, sclera and proximal limbs, usually not exceeding the elbows and knees.

4. The newborn is in general good condition, has no anemia, no hepatosplenomegaly, normal liver function, and no kernicterus.

5. Physiological jaundice is more common in premature infants than in full-term infants, and may appear slightly later by 1 to 2 days. The jaundice is more severe and disappears later, which may last up to 2 to 4 weeks.

The above is an introduction to the normal value of the neonatal jaundice index. After understanding it, we will have a better understanding of neonatal jaundice. Generally, when a newborn has jaundice, parents must pay great attention to it and observe the skin color of the newborn. If there is jaundice, go to the hospital for treatment in time.