Doctor, my new born baby has got a neonatal bilirubin of 20.00mg/dl when he was born since 10days ago. Doctor said it may affect baby`s hearing and brain, does it true as doctor said? For this level, what is the risk actually and how to prevent it from increasing ?please advise. Thank very much, doctor. From :mr. asher.
Thank you, A serum Bilirubin level of 20 for a neonate is a high value. Although at the age of 10 days, it might require Double surface phototherapy only and not an Exchange transfusion. Yes, A high value of serum bilirubin causes Sensory neural hearing loss and Kernites(brain damage and encephalopathy). Your child will Require intensive DSPT for some time and will need admission into a nursery care center. Get a Serum TSH done for your child. The only treatment for high bilirubin is phototherapy or exchange transfusion(if criteria fulfilled or any complication). Put your child under a fluorescent blue light as of now and consult a Neonatologist. He will require admission. Also get a ERA and Ultrasound Skull done to rule out any hearing damage or brain damage.