"What is the Liver Function Index Related to Jaundice?"

Baby Jaundice: Types, Causes, and Liver Function Indicators

Baby jaundice is a common condition affecting many infants. It is classified into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Infants with physiological jaundice are considered normal, while those with pathological jaundice require medical attention to identify the underlying cause and prompt treatment. Let's delve into the liver function indicators associated with baby jaundice and understand its types and values.

Types and Values of Baby Jaundice

Physiological Jaundice

Generally, newborns may develop a yellowish skin discoloration visible to the naked eye within two days of birth. This reaches its peak between 3 to 5 days and subsides within 7 to 10 days, with most jaundice indices (serum bilirubin levels) falling below 15 mg/dL, which is considered normal.

Pathological Jaundice

Pathological jaundice can stem from various causes, and its criteria differ for full-term and premature infants. Mothers should seek medical attention if they observe the following:

1. Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of birth, known as "early-onset jaundice".
2. A sudden and excessive rise in jaundice index, exceeding 5 mg/dL per day, which is often indicative of hemolytic jaundice (due to incompatibility between maternal and infant blood types).
3. Jaundice index exceeding 15 mg/dL.
4. Prolonged duration of jaundice, typically lasting 7 to 10 days for physiological jaundice; if it persists beyond 2 weeks, medical attention is required.

For first-time parents who wish to monitor their baby's jaundice levels regularly, a jaundice meter can be a convenient tool. By pressing the device against the baby's forehead, it instantly measures the total bilirubin concentration in the baby's skin tissue, eliminating the need for blood sampling.