Newborn Baby Jaundice Level (Bilirubin Level) Chart

Jaundice in newborns, also known as neonatal jaundice, is a common medical disease that causes the skin and whites of a baby's eyes to turn yellow. This illness is caused by high bilirubin levels, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells degrade. Neonatal jaundice is normally harmless and develops within the first few days of life.

To enable timely and proper management, both parents and healthcare practitioners must understand the causes of newborn jaundice. The following are the major causes to consider:

1. Physiological Jaundice: This is the most common cause of infant jaundice. It commonly emerges during the first few days of life and is caused by the baby's undeveloped liver. It may take a few days for the newborn's liver to process bilirubin effectively.

2. Breastfeeding Jaundice: This condition occurs when a newborn does not receive enough breast milk during the first few days of life. Dehydration can result in impairing the liver's ability to handle bilirubin. Making sure the baby is getting enough food can generally cure this type of jaundice.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice: This type of jaundice arises after the first week of life and is caused by specific compounds in breast milk that can block bilirubin breakdown. Breast milk jaundice is normally safe and resolves on its own, but it might last for weeks.

4. Haemolysis: In some situations, jaundice is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, which releases an excess of bilirubin into the bloodstream. This can arise due to newborn hemolytic illness or blood group incompatibility between the infant and mother.

5. Infection: Jaundice in a baby might be a symptom of infection, such as sepsis. Infections have the potential to impair the liver's ability to metabolise bilirubin.

6. Liver Disease: Although uncommon, certain liver diseases can cause infant jaundice. Biliary atresia, for example, can impair the flow of bile from the liver, resulting in jaundice.

7. Genetic Disorders: In some situations, jaundice may be caused by underlying genetic diseases that alter bilirubin metabolism, such as Gilbert syndrome.

Newborn jaundice is distinguished by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. While this is the most visible indicator, newborn jaundice can be accompanied by several additional signs and symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms of neonatal jaundice:

1. Yellowing of the Skin: The most visible symptom is a yellow colouring of the baby's skin. It typically begins on the face and extends to the chest, belly, and limbs.

2. Yellowing of the Eyes: Icterus is a condition in which the whites of the baby's eyes turn yellow.

3. Yellowing of Mucous Membranes: Jaundice can affect the mucous membranes within the baby's mouth and the roof of the mouth (palate).

4. Feeding Difficulties: Some newborns with jaundice may have trouble feeding and be less interested in nursing or drinking from a bottle. They may also exhibit signs of lethargy and weakness. This could be due to the baby's overall health and discomfort.

5. Dark Urine: The baby's urine may appear dark yellow or amber in colour. This indicates increased bilirubin levels.

6. Pale Stools: Jaundice can cause the baby's stool to turn pale or clay-coloured instead of the usual yellowish colour. This is due to bilirubin not being processed and eliminated adequately in the faeces.

7. Irritability: Some babies with jaundice may be irritable and fussy due to discomfort or other symptoms.

8. High-Pitched Crying: In extreme episodes of jaundice, the baby may cry out in a high-pitched tone, indicating neurological involvement.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment created by the body when it breaks down old red blood cells. It is processed by the liver and eliminated in the bile. Bilirubin levels in the blood are an essential measure of liver function and can be linked to illnesses like jaundice. Understanding bilirubin levels and their relevance is essential in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of medical disorders. 

Newborns have higher bilirubin levels than adults because their livers are still developing. The typical bilirubin level of an infant is less than 5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). In neonates that were born prematurely, levels might be a little higher.

A simple blood test is used by healthcare providers to assess bilirubin levels in neonates. A tiny blood sample is frequently collected from the baby's heel to determine the bilirubin level. Healthcare practitioners may recommend treatment or additional monitoring depending on the level and age of the baby.

In infants, bilirubin levels are usually measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micromoles per litre (mol/L). The decision to treat neonatal jaundice or monitor the newborn baby jaundice level chart is influenced by the baby's age, risk factors, and bilirubin levels. 

By placing a probe on a baby's head, the baby's healthcare professional can measure his or her bilirubin level. The transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level is determined by this test. If this level is elevated, the doctor will conduct a blood test to confirm the results. They will prick the baby's heel to obtain a little blood sample. The total serum bilirubin (TSB) level is determined through a blood test.

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, the following is a basic newborn baby jaundice level chart. It is in accordance with the age and total serum bilirubin level of the infant.

Parents must work actively with medical professionals to monitor the newborn baby jaundice level chart. It's important to seek medical assistance if there are concerns about jaundice in a baby. High bilirubin levels that are left untreated can result in serious complications, including neurological issues. To understand the level of risk, please refer to the chart below.

It's important to remember that the aforementioned guidelines are standard and may change depending on the healthcare facility and location. The decision to treat may also be influenced by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms, such as the baby's general health and degree of jaundice.

The treatment of newborn jaundice is generally targeted at lowering elevated bilirubin levels to avoid potential problems. This is essential when bilirubin levels have reached excessively high. Here are some popular neonatal jaundice treatments:

1. Phototherapy: It is the most commonly used treatment for neonatal jaundice. It entails exposing the baby's skin to special blue or white lights. This aids in the breakdown of bilirubin into a form that can be expelled more easily. During phototherapy, the baby may only wear a nappy and protective eyewear. This treatment is often administered in a hospital. But it can also be administered at home with specialized equipment under physician supervision.

2. Frequent Feeding: Nursing the baby frequently can increase the frequency and amount of bowel motions. This can be done through breastfeeding or formula feeding. It helps in the elimination of bilirubin from the body via the stool.

3. Hydration: It is essential to keep the baby hydrated, especially if breastfeeding is established. Adequate hydration can aid in preventing dehydration, which can exacerbate jaundice.

4. Exchange Transfusion: An exchange transfusion may be required in severe cases of jaundice or when bilirubin levels touch a dangerous level. To rapidly lower bilirubin levels, a portion of the baby's blood is taken out and replaced with donor blood. Exchange transfusions are usually reserved for severe or rapidly worsening illnesses and are done in a hospital.

5. Treating Underlying Causes: If the jaundice is caused by blood type incompatibility, hemolysis, or an underlying medical problem, the underlying cause may need to be treated. This could include infection treatment, hemolytic disease treatment, or disease management.

6. Medications: When other therapies are ineffective, or the jaundice is caused by a specific ailment, healthcare providers may consider using drugs such as phenobarbital or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to assist in lower bilirubin levels.

Early detection and treatment of jaundice are essential for avoiding potential complications such as kernicterus. It is a rare but severe neurological disorder that can occur from untreated acute jaundice. If parents see escalating jaundice or if their baby exhibits any signs of acute discomfort or neurological problems, they should seek immediate medical attention.

Jaundice in neonates is often managed and treated based on a mix of criteria, such as the baby's age, risk factors, and bilirubin levels. To give the best possible treatment for their infant, parents should follow the instructions and guidelines provided by their healthcare team.

You can contact HexaHealth for more information on newborn baby jaundice level charts. At HexaHealth, we aim to bridge the gap between patients and multiple healthcare facilities. So, schedule your consultation today!

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