What should be done if a newborn's bilirubin level is 300?
Oct 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A bilirubin level of 300 usually refers to a jaundice value reaching 300 μmol/L. Normally, the bilirubin level in newborns should not exceed 204 μmol/L in full-term infants and 255 μmol/L in preterm infants. A bilirubin level of 300 μmol/L clearly exceeds the normal range, indicating pathological jaundice, which can be managed through conventional treatments, traditional Chinese medicine, and other therapeutic approaches.
A bilirubin level of 300 in the blood generally refers to a total serum bilirubin concentration reaching 300 μmol/L. Normally, for newborns, the acceptable bilirubin level should not exceed 204 μmol/L in full-term infants and 255 μmol/L in preterm infants. A bilirubin level of 300 μmol/L significantly exceeds this normal range, indicating pathological jaundice. This condition can be managed through general supportive measures, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pharmacological treatment, phototherapy, or exchange transfusion.
1. General Supportive Care
Maintain body warmth and initiate early breastfeeding to increase the frequency of urination and bowel movements, thereby promoting the excretion of bilirubin through urine and stool.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner, herbal formulas such as Yinchenhao Tang, Yinchen Lizhong Tang, or Xuefu Zhuyu Tang may be used. These formulas help resolve dampness, reduce jaundice, clear heat, promote bile flow, strengthen the spleen, and enhance qi, thus facilitating bilirubin metabolism and alleviating jaundice.
3. Pharmacological Treatment
If symptoms such as lethargy, poor responsiveness, or weak sucking are present, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be administered under medical supervision to reduce red blood cell destruction and subsequent bilirubin production. Alternatively, enzyme-inducing agents may be used to decrease bilirubin formation and enhance its metabolism. Commonly used medications include phenobarbital tablets, carbamazepine tablets, and phenytoin sodium tablets.
4. Phototherapy
If drug treatment is ineffective, professional evaluation may lead to blue light phototherapy, which helps promote bilirubin excretion and lower serum bilirubin levels. Possible side effects include fever, diarrhea, and rash, but these typically resolve once phototherapy is discontinued.
5. Exchange Transfusion
If bilirubin levels rise rapidly or the clinical condition worsens quickly, exchange transfusion may be recommended by a physician to remove excessive bilirubin from the bloodstream and prevent the development of bilirubin encephalopathy.
Upon encountering such conditions, prompt medical attention and standardized treatment are strongly advised to control the disease progression, minimize complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy, and improve overall outcomes.
