What to do about incomplete liver function in newborns

Generally, the main treatments for immature liver function in newborns include nutritional support, drug therapy, etiological treatment, nursing interventions, and close monitoring. The details are as follows:

1. Nutritional Support

Breast milk is preferred as it contains high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and various enzymes that are easily absorbed by newborns, thus reducing the metabolic burden on the liver. If breast milk is insufficient, low-protein and low-fat formula milk designed for preterm infants can be used to avoid excessive protein and fat intake that may aggravate liver damage.

2. Drug Therapy

Medications can specifically improve liver function indicators. Patients may use reduced glutathione injection, compound glycyrrhizinic acid injection, S-adenosylmethionine enteric-coated tablets, and other medications as directed by a physician.

3. Etiological Treatment

Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of impaired liver function is essential for resolving the issue at its source. If caused by hemolytic disease of the newborn, phototherapy is required to lower serum bilirubin levels and reduce bilirubin-induced liver damage. If caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium injection or penicillin sodium injection may be used under medical guidance to control the infection and mitigate ongoing inflammatory effects on the liver, thereby facilitating liver function recovery.

4. Nursing Intervention

Daily care plays an important role in supporting liver function recovery. Maintain a clean living environment for the newborn, with room temperature controlled between 22-26°C and humidity between 50%-60% to prevent infections caused by either cold or excessive heat. Strictly regulate intravenous fluid volume and infusion rate to avoid increasing the liver's metabolic burden due to excessive blood volume.

5. Close Monitoring

Regularly monitor liver function and related indicators to track recovery progress. Blood tests should be conducted periodically to assess liver function and coagulation profiles, observing trends in these indicators. At the same time, monitor the newborn's mental status, feeding volume, and urine and stool color. If symptoms such as worsening jaundice, refusal to feed, or excessive sleepiness occur, promptly inform the physician to adjust the treatment plan and prevent disease progression.

In addition, strict adherence to medical instructions regarding treatment is essential during therapy, without self-adjusting medication dosages. Parents should cooperate with healthcare staff to learn proper feeding and care techniques, providing attentive care for the newborn.