What should be done if a newborn's jaundice does not resolve after 40 days?

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

The baby is already 40 days old. Jaundice appeared not long after birth, and the jaundice has persisted for several days without subsiding. I would like to ask what should be done if neonatal jaundice does not resolve?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
If a newborn's jaundice does not resolve within 40 days, it may indicate pathological jaundice. The following are recommended solutions: 1. **Identify the cause of jaundice**: Take the newborn to the hospital for a comprehensive examination to determine the exact cause of jaundice. 2. **Assess jaundice levels**: Evaluate the severity of jaundice by measuring serum bilirubin levels. 3. **Medication**: Medications such as Yin Zhi Huang Granules may help promote bilirubin excretion and alleviate jaundice symptoms. 4. **Phototherapy**: For non-hemolytic jaundice, phototherapy is an effective treatment. Blue or green light therapy converts bilirubin into water-soluble substances that can be excreted via urine or bile. 5. **Exchange transfusion**: For infants with severe hemolytic jaundice, exchange transfusion may be necessary to rapidly lower serum bilirubin levels and prevent bilirubin encephalopathy. 6. **Surgical treatment**: If jaundice is caused by conditions such as biliary obstruction or biliary atresia, and if medication and phototherapy are ineffective, surgical intervention may be required to relieve the obstruction.