What should be done if a premature infant has high bilirubin levels?
Disease description:
The baby girl is 4 days old, with high bilirubin levels and slightly yellow eyes. She is not fussy, but her milk intake is very low. What should be done for high bilirubin in a premature infant?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ma Yan
Slightly elevated bilirubin levels: if physiological, can be monitored without immediate intervention. Increase breastfeeding frequency and provide appropriate water intake to promote metabolism. If bilirubin levels are significantly elevated, persist for a long duration, or are accompanied by severe jaundice symptoms, pathological jaundice should be considered. In such cases, phototherapy with blue light under medical guidance may be necessary to prevent worsening of the condition. The mother should maintain a light diet and avoid greasy and spicy foods.
