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The norm of bilirubin in newborns
Quite often, the norm of bilirubin in newborns is increased. This phenomenon is called physiological jaundice. As a rule, this condition is not dangerous for the baby, and it goes away on its own after a few days. But increased rates require special attention, because they can lead to serious complications.
Table of the norm of bilirubin in newborns
After the birth of a baby, hemoglobin changes from fetal to normal. Bilirubin is a product of this decay. The substance is excreted from the body through the liver, gallbladder and intestines. But the baby’s organs sometimes cannot cope with such a load, and they may need additional help. Therefore, it is so important to monitor the indicators of a substance in the blood.
The norm of bilirubin in newborns is different for each day.
The norm of bilirubin by day in newborns:
- The first day: the value does not exceed 34 μmol / L.
- Second day: bilirubin reaches from 24 to 149 μmol / L.
- Third-fourth days: the norm ranges from 26 to 205.
On the fifth day, bilirubin begins to decline sharply and soon disappears altogether. The extreme values on the first day are 51 μmol / l. On the third or fourth day after birth, bilirubin should not exceed 256 μmol / L. In premature babies, this indicator is even lower – 171 μmol / l.
Why does bilirubin rise in newborns?
If the indicators are slightly higher than the norm, then the child develops physiological jaundice. This disease is harmless and goes away on its own in a few days. The only sign is a slight yellowing of the upper body skin. Usually, such a baby does not lose activity and feels quite normal. Such jaundice does not need to be treated with medications, but the pediatrician needs to monitor the baby’s condition.
If bilirubin is off scale, pathological jaundice may develop. In this case, the substance acts as a toxin and can cause a number of serious complications, up to and including the death of the baby.
In addition to increased bilirubin, pathological jaundice can be recognized by the following signs:
- yellowness of the entire surface of the body and even mucous membranes;
- bright orange palms and feet;
- stool lighting;
- darkening of urine.
With this type of disease, the baby is prescribed detoxification therapy. In rare cases, a blood transfusion may be required.
Bilirubin in the infant’s body must be monitored with particular attention. An excess of this substance can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important to know the daily bilirubin rate.