Bilirubin Range For Newborns

Infant jaundice is a common condition particularly in babies born before 38 weeks gestation preterm babies and some breast fed babies.

Bilirubin range for newborns.

Hyperbilirubinemia excess bilirubin in the blood is an extremely common problem occurring during the newborn period. Medical literature sources have minor variations in normal levels. The treatment is usually done in a hospital. Your baby will need treatment if the bilirubin level is above the normal range for newborns.

The approximate normal range of bilirubin in the blood serum is. In case the levels of bilirubin in the body are within the normal range it does not create a problem. Infant jaundice occurs because the baby s blood contains an excess of bilirubin bil ih roo bin a yellow pigment of red blood cells. Newborns with high levels of bilirubin have a condition that doctors call.

1 2 milligrams per deciliter mg dl for adults. When jaundice is left untreated and serum bilirubin levels exceed 25 milligrams there is a risk of brain damage cerebral palsy and deafness. The cause of the jaundice is quite varied. Normal values of direct bilirubin range from 0 to 0 4 mg dl.

It s estimated that 60 of full term and 80 of premature babies develop jaundice hyperbilirubinaemia in the first week after birth. Bilirubin levels can cause concern for parents whose newborns are suspected to have jaundice. Although most causes are benign each case must be investigated to rule out an etiology with significant morbidity. The indirect bilirubin level in the bloodstream is the total bilirubin minus the direct bilirubin levels in the bloodstream.

Total bilirubin direct and indirect range from about 0 2 to 1 2 mg dl some lab values range as high as 1 9 mg dl. A common condition it can occur when babies have a high level of bilirubin a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red. Additionally normal reference ranges may vary from lab to lab. This is called phototherapy.

Bilirubin levels in newborns. However at times it is possible for the amount of bilirubin in the body to rise to a very high level which in turn can lead to serious health complications. Infant jaundice usually occurs because a baby s liver isn t mature. He or she will be put under a type of fluorescent light to treat the jaundice.

Because the bilirubin has a color it turns babies shin and eyes yellow jaundice. Newborn jaundice is a yellowing of a baby s skin and eyes.