What level of bilirubin is severe?

Jaundice is considered pathologic if it presents within the first 24 hours after birth, the total serum bilirubin level rises by more than 5 mg per dL (86 mol per L) per day or is higher than 17 mg per dL (290 mol per L), or an infant has signs and symptoms suggestive of serious illness.

What is the alarming level of bilirubin?

Anything above 1.2 mg/dL is usually considered high. The condition of having high bilirubin levels is called hyperbilirubinemia. It’s usually a sign of an underlying condition, so it’s important to follow up with a doctor if test results show you have high bilirubin.

What do elevated bilirubin levels mean?

Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease. Higher than normal levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn’t clearing bilirubin properly. Elevated levels of indirect bilirubin may indicate other problems.

What level of bilirubin can cause brain damage?

Kernicterus, or bilirubin encephalopathy, is bilirubin-induced neurological damage, which is most commonly seen in infants. It occurs when the unconjugated bilirubin (indirect bilirubin) levels cross 25 mg/dL in the blood from any event leading to decreased elimination and increased production of bilirubin.

Is high bilirubin life threatening?

Having a high bilirubin level alone is not a medical emergency, but it could be the sign of a serious, life-threatening illness. People who show symptoms, such as yellowing of the whites of their eyes or a yellowish tint to the skin (jaundice), should see their doctor as soon as possible for an urgent evaluation.

How is bilirubin treated?

Treatments to lower the level of bilirubin in your baby’s blood may include:

1. Enhanced nutrition.
2. Light therapy (phototherapy).
3. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).
4. Exchange transfusion.

How high is too high for bilirubin levels in newborns?

Usually it is mild. The level of bilirubin that is harmful is around 20. Reaching a level this high is rare. High levels need to be treated with bili-lights.

What is a safe level of bilirubin in newborns?

The normal values of total bilirubin range from 0.3-1.0 mg/dl and the normal direct bilirubin value is 5.2 mg/dl within 24 hours of birth. Generally, phototherapy is started when the total serum bilirubin level is at or above 15mg/dl in newborns within 25-48 hours of birth.