Why hasn't the jaundice in a 17-day-old newborn subsided yet?

In normal physiological jaundice of newborns, the jaundice should completely resolve within about two weeks. If the baby's jaundice has not fully subsided by day 17, the following possible causes should be considered: 1. Whether the baby has an infection. Infectious jaundice may present with significantly elevated bilirubin levels and slow resolution, persisting beyond half a month. Hospitalization for anti-infective treatment and jaundice management may be required. 2. Hemolytic jaundice. Hemolysis generally occurs when the mother has blood type O and the newborn has blood type A or B. If hemolytic jaundice is present, hospitalization for intravenous immunoglobulin therapy to inhibit hemolysis and manage jaundice is required. 3. Possible congenital hypothyroidism. In this condition, abnormal thyroid function in the baby causes delayed resolution of jaundice. Diagnosis is typically confirmed by blood tests including thyroid function tests. If confirmed, treatment with levothyroxine (Euthyrox) will be necessary. 4. Breast milk jaundice. Breast milk jaundice should be considered if the baby is exclusively breastfed and jaundice persists beyond day 17, after ruling out all the pathological factors mentioned above. If the baby is feeding well and having normal bowel movements daily, breast milk jaundice usually requires no specific treatment and will resolve spontaneously.