What is the normal range of jaundice in premature infants?

Generally speaking, it is normal for newborn babies or premature babies to have jaundice. Only when the jaundice value of the newborn exceeds the normal number, treatment is required. So what is the normal value of neonatal jaundice in babies? Especially for mothers of premature babies, their babies’ physical constitution is not very good, so mothers and fathers are more concerned about this issue. Now I would like to introduce to you the normal range of jaundice in premature babies.

Generally speaking, the normal value of neonatal jaundice is: serum bilirubin, premature infants <15mg/dl (257μmol/L), full-term infants <12.9mg/dl (221μmol/L). If the serum bilirubin value is >15mg/dl for premature infants and >12.9mg/dl for full-term infants; or if the serum bilirubin increases by >5mg/dl every day, it means that the baby's neonatal jaundice has exceeded the normal value and is pathological jaundice, which requires treatment.

Medically, jaundice that occurs in babies less than one month old (within 28 days of birth) is called neonatal jaundice. It mainly refers to the neonatal period, a disease characterized by jaundice of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, which causes increased bilirubin levels in the blood. It can be divided into physiological neonatal jaundice and pathological neonatal jaundice. Physiological neonatal jaundice means that the jaundice index is within the normal range of neonatal jaundice. When it exceeds the normal range, it is pathological neonatal jaundice.

There is a limit to jaundice and its color will not be golden yellow. Jaundice is mainly distributed on the face and trunk, while the calves, forearms, hands and soles of the feet often have no obvious jaundice. If blood is drawn to measure bilirubin, it should not exceed 12 mg/dL for full-term infants during the peak period of jaundice, and 15 mg/dL for premature infants. Generally speaking, if a premature baby only has physiological jaundice, it will normally disappear in about 7-10 days. However, the specific situation depends on the baby's physical constitution and other factors. However, if a premature baby has pathological jaundice, it will require treatment to disappear. Parents should recognize which type of jaundice the baby has, and then conduct relevant observations and careful care based on the baby's condition. Many people believe that breastfeeding is related to a high jaundice index, but this is not entirely true. Experts believe that other causes of jaundice must be ruled out before it can be said that jaundice is caused by breast milk. Since jaundice in the previous week may be due to dehydration caused by insufficient feeding, there is no problem if the index is less than 20 mg/dL. Because there has been no literature reporting brain lesions caused by breast milk jaundice, it is generally not recommended to stop breastfeeding.

Have you all understood the content about the normal range of jaundice in premature babies? First of all, jaundice in babies is a very common phenomenon, and many children may have encountered it, so first of all, don’t be too anxious. Generally, they will recover after treatment. I wish all babies good health.