Bilirubin Level in Newborn Baby: Physiological vs Pathological Jaundice, Range and More
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Prekshi Garg
on Feb 28, 2022
Last Edit Made By Prekshi Garg
on Mar 18, 2024
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or neonatal jaundice is a cause of concern for the first seven days in a baby. It’s development is observed in around 8 - 11% of neonates. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia denotes a high level of bilirubin that can be toxic for the development of the central nervous system. About 60% of the cases of high bilirubin levels in the first seven days in babies are benign and get okay without any intervention. About 5 - 10% of cases of hyperbilirubinemia in babies require the use of phototherapy for its treatment. This article explores neonatal jaundice, normal range of bilirubin in babies, and the difference between physiological and pathological jaundice.
Normal Range of Bilirubin in Newborn Babies
The normal range of bilirubin in newborn babies is approximately 0.3 mg/dl to 1.0 mg/dL within the first 24 hours of birth. The level of bilirubin which is referred to as critical for the baby and when phototherapy is given for treatment is:
- 25 - 48 hours old: total serum bilirubin level above 15 mg/dL
- 49 - 72 hours old: total serum bilirubin level above 18 mg/dL
- > 72 hours old: total serum bilirubin level above 20 mg/dL
Physiological Jaundice vs Pathological Jaundice
Physiological jaundice:
It is the most common type of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia without any serious consequences. The bilirubin in physiological jaundice is generally in unconjugated form and it’s levels in the serum are less than 15 mg/dL. Physiological jaundice appears 24 - 72 hours after the birth. The levels of bilirubin in this condition are at their peak on the 4th or 5th day after birth and finally disappear when the baby is 10 - 14 days old.
Pathological Jaundice:
When the bilirubin levels in a newborn baby exceed a level such that intervention is required is known as pathological jaundice. In this, the levels of serum bilirubin go beyond 5 mg/dL/day within 24 hours of birth.
Takeaway
Neonatal jaundice is an extremely common condition appearing in the first seven days of life. This requires careful monitoring of the baby for the first week. In mild cases, it gets treated on its own, and in severe cases, phototherapy can effectively treat jaundice. Now that you know well about neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, you can better monitor your baby in the first few days of their life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How can I reduce the bilirubin level of my baby?
The bilirubin levels in the first few days of your baby’s life is a very critical parameter. In the case of hyperbilirubinemia, phototherapy, exchange transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin, and enhanced nutrition can help in reducing the bilirubin levels.
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Can bilirubin level rise back after phototherapy?
Yes, the bilirubin levels can rise back after phototherapy in some rare cases. In such a situation, follow-up and other treatment options are also considered for the baby.
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Is phototherapy a safe treatment option for hyperbilirubinemia?
Yes, phototherapy is a very safe and effective treatment option for hyperbilirubinemia as it does not contain any rays that can harm your baby. The treatment is most effective when the maximum skin of the baby is exposed to the light.
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Is 19 mg/dL considered as a high bilirubin level in newborns?
When the total serum bilirubin level rises by more than 5 mg/dL/day or if the level is above 17 mg/dL during the first 24 hours after the birth, the baby is known to suffer from hyperbilirubinemia.
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11 Comments
Ardian Hendra Wardhana
Apr 17, 2024 at 9:26 AM.
Berapa kadar bilirubin normal pada bayi usia 10 hari..? 12.2 apakah normal..?
Myhealth Team
Apr 17, 2024 at 6:55 PM.
Kadar bilirubin normal pada bayi usia 10 hari berkisar antara 5 hingga 15 mg/dL. Kadar 12.2 mg/dL mungkin dalam kisaran normal, tetapi konsultasikan dengan dokter bayi Anda untuk penilaian yang lebih tepat.
Achilles
Apr 12, 2024 at 11:52 PM.
Good and interesting information
Myhealth Team
Apr 15, 2024 at 5:18 PM.
Glad you have liked it.
Alamin
Mar 29, 2024 at 1:59 PM.
My baby age 5 days have test bilirubin but level high 16.6. Now what to do? Bangladesh.
MyHealth Team
Apr 4, 2024 at 10:07 AM.
It sounds like your baby experienced neonatal jaundice, which is common in newborns due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the liver's immaturity in processing bilirubin. It's positive that the bilirubin levels decreased after the blood transfusion. However, the subsequent increase in bilirubin is concerning and warrants further evaluation by a healthcare provider. There could be various reasons for the fluctuation in bilirubin levels, such as an underlying medical condition, breastfeeding issues, or ineffective treatment. It's crucial to consult with a pediatrician or neonatologist for a comprehensive assessment. They may recommend additional tests, treatment adjustments, or monitoring to ensure your baby's health and manage the jaundice effectively.
Noorul haq
Apr 4, 2024 at 3:18 AM.
72 course of my baby bilirubin total was 23.3 then we changed the whole blood 500 cc (O)negative my baby blood was (A)Negative, mother blood was (O) Negative and father blood was (A)Negative so it decrease to 20 .2 Then after one day decrease to 12.8 with indirect bilirubin was 9.5 then after one day increase to 15 .8 total bilirubin so what we do by your investigation thank 2
Myhealth Team
Mar 29, 2024 at 2:10 PM.
Dear Alamin, We are sorry to hear about your baby's high bilirubin level. It's important to address this promptly. Please consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider immediately for proper evaluation and treatment. High bilirubin levels in newborns can sometimes lead to jaundice, which may require phototherapy or other medical interventions to manage. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the best course of action to ensure your baby's well-being. Take care." Warm regards, MyHealth team
Ghadeer Awada
Nov 25, 2023 at 5:55 AM.
Hello, New born baby with 5.6 mg/dl within the first 24 hours, He was placed in phototherapy for 15 hours, and the level of bilirubin dropped to 3 mg/dl A couple of days later, the level of bilirubin increased to 11.8 mg/dl with the baby at 4 days old. Should we be worried? Or are we still within the normal range?
Myhealth Team
Mar 29, 2024 at 2:12 PM.
Hi, Fluctuations in bilirubin levels are common in newborns. While 11.8 mg/dl is slightly elevated, consult your pediatrician for guidance. Trust their expertise for the best course of action. Thankyou
Myhealth Team
Nov 29, 2023 at 1:12 PM.
A bilirubin level of 11.8 mg/dl in a 4-day-old baby may be a concern. Consult a pediatrician promptly for evaluation and guidance.
Sibathulla
Nov 23, 2023 at 6:24 AM.
Bilirubin level of a newborn is total bilirubin 8.4 Direct bilirubin 1.2 Indirect bilirubin 7.2 are normal or not?
Myhealth Team
Mar 29, 2024 at 2:13 PM.
Hi, A total bilirubin level of 8.4 mg/dl in a newborn is within the normal range. However, the direct bilirubin level of 1.2 mg/dl and indirect bilirubin level of 7.2 mg/dl should be evaluated by a pediatrician to ensure proper interpretation and management. Thankyou
Myhealth Team
Mar 29, 2024 at 2:12 PM.
Hi, A total bilirubin level of 8.4 mg/dl in a newborn is within the normal range. However, it's essential to consult a pediatrician for interpretation and guidance tailored to your baby's specific health needs. Thankyou
Myhealth Team
Nov 23, 2023 at 1:01 PM.
Total bilirubin 8.4, Direct 1.2, Indirect 7.2 are generally normal for newborns. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Patricia Marfo
Nov 8, 2023 at 2:10 PM.
My baby is 5 day old and the serum bilirubin level is 10.8g/dL. Do I need to worry?
Myhealth Team
Nov 17, 2023 at 12:12 PM.
A bilirubin level of 10.8 mg/dL in a 5-day-old baby can be a concern. Consult your baby's pediatrician promptly for evaluation and guidance on treatment if needed.
Ivy Marie Piquero
Sep 30, 2023 at 6:18 AM.
What is the normal bilirubin for 7days old please i need response
Myhealth Team
Oct 7, 2023 at 9:29 AM.
The normal bilirubin range for a 7-day-old newborn is typically 1.0 to 12.0 mg/dL. Consult a pediatrician for specific guidance based on your baby's bilirubin level and health.
Ivy Marie Piquero
Sep 30, 2023 at 6:17 AM.
What is the normal bilirubin for 7days old
Myhealth Team
Oct 7, 2023 at 9:31 AM.
The normal bilirubin range for a 7-day-old newborn is typically 1.0 to 12.0 mg/dL. Consult a pediatrician for specific guidance based on your baby's bilirubin level and health.
Eulita Pabi
Sep 27, 2023 at 11:23 AM.
22 days old baby with a 9.82 mg/dL bilirubin level
AbdulRazak Omar
Nov 19, 2023 at 10:09 AM.
46 day old baby with bilirubin level of 6mg/dL. Is it normal?
Myhealth Team
Oct 7, 2023 at 9:55 AM.
A bilirubin level of 9.82 mg/dL in a 22-day-old baby is elevated. Consult a pediatrician immediately for assessment and appropriate treatment.
Dheeraj Joshi
Sep 15, 2023 at 1:12 PM.
A new Borne baby is 18 days old and bilirubin level is 11.06 mg/dL
S vikas
Nov 23, 2023 at 8:18 PM.
19th nov 4days completed as of now,23th nov 8pm Total bilirubbin is 15.6 Conjugate bilrubbin is 0.9 Unconjugate bilrubin is 14.7 Pls give suggestion.
Myhealth Team
Sep 19, 2023 at 12:56 PM.
An 18-day-old newborn with a bilirubin level of 11.06 mg/dL probably has jaundice. Consult a pediatrician for evaluation and potential phototherapy treatment. Follow medical advice for care.
Chaitu
Jun 7, 2023 at 7:26 AM.
How can we detect Jaundice after 7 days when we are at home. Any symptoms
Myhealth Team
Jun 7, 2023 at 8:17 AM.
Hi Chaitu, Thankyou for your comment. Jaundice can be detected at home by observing certain symptoms. Look for yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you notice these signs, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
