What causes high bilirubin levels in newborn jaundice?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, high neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, weak liver metabolism, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, neonatal infection, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Regularly observe changes in skin jaundice, maintain cleanliness to prevent infection, and provide feeding on demand to promote bowel movements.
Generally, high neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, weak liver metabolism, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, neonatal infection, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive bilirubin production: Neonates have a large number of red blood cells with short lifespans. When these cells are destroyed, they produce a large amount of bilirubin, exceeding the metabolic capacity. Increase feeding frequency, aiming for 8-12 times per day, to promote defecation and urination. Appropriate sun exposure under a doctor's guidance can also help eliminate bilirubin.
2. Weak liver metabolism: Neonatal liver function is immature, and the enzyme activity responsible for processing bilirubin is low, especially in preterm infants. It is important to maintain warmth and ensure adequate nutrition through on-demand feeding. Phototherapy under medical supervision may be necessary to accelerate metabolism.
3. Breast milk jaundice: Breastfeeding can affect bilirubin metabolism due to certain components in breast milk, causing jaundice that may persist for weeks or months without other abnormalities. There is no need to stop breastfeeding; instead, feed in small, frequent amounts. If necessary, stop breastfeeding for 1-2 days for observation, and resume once bilirubin levels decrease.
4. Neonatal hemolytic disease: Maternal-fetal blood type incompatibility leads to increased red blood cell destruction and massive bilirubin release, typically appearing within 24 hours after birth. Phototherapy under medical supervision is recommended. In severe cases, medications such as human serum albumin injection, intravenous immunoglobulin, and sodium phenobarbital injection may be used as treatment.
5. Neonatal infection: Bacterial or viral infections can impair liver metabolism, accompanied by fever or hypothermia and poor feeding. Follow medical advice to use antibiotics such as ampicillin sodium injection, cefotaxime sodium injection, and penicillin sodium injection to treat infections, along with phototherapy to reduce bilirubin levels.
Monitor changes in skin jaundice regularly, maintain cleanliness to prevent infection, and feed on demand to promote bowel movements. Regularly check bilirubin levels and cooperate with medical interventions to ensure the health of the newborn.
