Recognize Newborn Normal Bilirubin Levels

The normal level of bilirubin in newborns is often a concern for parents when they find their baby has jaundice (yellow). In newborns, one of the signs of high bilirubin levels is the condition of the baby being jaundiced.

The normal level or level of bilirubin in newborns will usually be monitored by a doctor every 8-12 hours after the baby is born. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment in blood and stool. Bilirubin is made by the body when red blood cells break down naturally. The baby will be yellow if the bilirubin is not processed properly by the liver.

Recognize Newborn Normal Bilirubin Levels

This can happen because the amount of bilirubin produced from the destruction of blood cells is too much, so that the liver does not have time to process it, or because there is interference with the liver. When this happens, the surface of the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. This condition is called jaundice.

Normal Bilirubin Level in Newborns

Normal bilirubin levels for newborns should be below 5.2 mg/dL. However, not a few newborns have bilirubin levels exceeding these levels.

Meanwhile, babies with the following levels of bilirubin need medical attention:

  • More than 10 mg/dL in infants less than 1 day old
  • More than 15 mg/dL in infants aged 1–2 days
  • More than 18 mg/dL in infants aged 2–3 days
  • More than 20 mg/dL in infants more than 3 days old

To ensure the normal level of bilirubin in newborns, blood tests need to be done in the first 3 days after the baby is born. This is to prevent the possibility of a dangerous impact and threaten the safety of the baby.

Treatment of High Bilirubin in Infants

Most cases of mild jaundice in newborns do not require special therapy or medical action. This condition can heal by itself within 2-3 weeks. However, if the newborn's bilirubin level is very high, this condition needs to be treated intensively by a doctor at the hospital.

The treatment given by the doctor aims to prevent a dangerous condition in the form of kernicterus due to jaundice which is left unattended for too long. Kernicterus is a type of brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin in the baby's blood

The following are some treatments that can be done as an effort to reduce the level of bilirubin to normal in newborns:

Tlight therapy (phototherapy)

In phototherapy, the baby will be placed under a special light that looks blue-green. It is hoped that the light will help change the bilirubin molecule so that it can be excreted through urine and feces. During the process, babies are only allowed to use diapers and eye protection.

Immunoglobulin transfusion

This therapy is a follow-up step for the treatment of jaundice, especially those caused by differences in the rhesus blood group of the baby and the mother (rhesus incompatibility).

This condition makes the baby get a lot of antibodies from the mother's body. As a result, the mother's antibodies will attack the baby's blood cells and a large breakdown of blood cells occurs. Immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusion can help reduce the number of these antibodies, so that jaundice can be resolved.

Exchange transfusion

Handling in this way is only done if the baby has severe jaundice that does not show a response to other therapies. Exchange transfusion is carried out by taking a small portion of blood from the baby's body, then replacing it with donor blood, and this is done repeatedly.

The purpose of an exchange transfusion is so that the blood in the baby's body is free from high levels of bilirubin and maternal antibodies.

In addition, the doctor will also advise the mother to breastfeed the baby as often as possible, so that the baby gets sufficient nutrition and prevents her from losing weight.

The normal level of bilirubin in newborns is a sign of a healthy baby's condition. If the baby looks jaundiced and is suspected of having too high a bilirubin level, you should immediately take your little one to be examined by a doctor so that proper treatment can be given.

Label : Health cat_Health

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Information Related to Pediatricians

Image
Pediatricians or pediatricians are doctors who have a focus on the physical, mental, emotional, growth and social health of children, since they were born into adolescents, namely until the age of 18. Pediatricians are tasked with providing preventive measures for diseases in healthy children, as well as providing treatment for sick children, both acute and chronic diseases. Pediatricians begin their education by completing a General Practitioner degree, then continue their study of Specialist Medical Education Programs in the field of pediatric health to gain a Child Specialist degree. A Pediatrician is trained to be able to diagnose and treat diseases in infants, children and adolescents and evaluate the child's growth and development. Problems Handled by Pediatricians Pediatricians examine and treat various conditions in infants, children and adolescents, including: Evaluate child growth and development and detect related disorders. Provide edu...
Read more

7 Ways to Reduce Menstrual Pain

Image
Nasal congestion often causes discomfort that interferes with activities and rest. The causes of nasal congestion can vary and this condition can affect other organs of the body, especially the ears and throat. Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passages become swollen, it can also be accompanied by a buildup of mucus or mucus. This can make it difficult for the sufferer to breathe. Generally, nasal congestion is not a serious health problem. However, the discomfort caused by this complaint can cause sleep and eating disorders, both in children and adults. Congestion Causes Stuffy nose can be caused by various things. The following are some examples of causes of nasal congestion: Allergies Exposure to dust, pollen, and animal dander Swelling of the adenoids or soft tissue located behind the nose Sinusitis or flu Nose irritation from smells or cigarette smoke Changes in temperature and humidity Although rare, nasal congestion can also be caused by tumors and nasal p...
Read more

Children Accidentally See Parents Having Intimacy, Here's How to Deal with It

Image
Father and Mother, have you ever imagined when you were having sex, suddenly your little one came into the room and saw the situation? Wow , just imagining it makes you panic, doesn't it? However, if it really happened, how should I deal with it? Although it sounds embarrassing, but it's not impossible you know, Mom and Dad forgot to lock the bedroom door during sex, then your little one catches the situation. Situations like this can happen, for example if your little one wants to be pampered or wants to ask for something, so he goes straight to Mom and Dad's room without calling or knocking. door first. If it happens, calm down first, Father, Mother, because there are how ways that can be done to deal with it. How to Deal with When Children See Parents Having Sex strong> Well, below are some ways you can do to deal with your little one who accidentally saw Mom and Dad having sex: 1. Stay calm Even though it can make you startle and panic, but if your child ac...
Read more