Jaundice level 17, is that extremely high?

My daughter was born a day before 36 weeks, and she wasn't latching on correctly the first couple of days of life, therefore wasn't getting enough breastmilk. She developed Jaundice, the level was 15, then the next day 17.3. The doctor had me give her formula which I did, then the next test was 17.9. He said from there it would go down. He didn't worry about it anymore. Her color looks fine now, but I was wondering how high that level is and at what level is it considered dangerous. I know brain damage can occur....?

Brailn damage can occur at levels over 20, more or less.
17-18 is pretty common level and won't cause problems.

Your doc had a pretty cavalier attitude about it though.

Of course, I haven't worked in pediatrics in about 9 years, and standards may have changed with more recent research, but we used to use light therapy on babies with bilirubin levels over 12-15.

If it has gone away there is absolutely nothing to worry about. In the 16 years I worked in peds, I never saw a child with brain damage attributable to a high bilirubin.

Tags

　　Kernicterus 　　Keloids 　　Kawasaki Disease 　　Juvenile Diabetes 　　Jock Itch 　　Jet Lag 　　Jaundice 　　Itching 　　Irritable Bowel Syndrome 　　Irregular Heartbeat 　　Iron 　　Intestinal Diseases

Related information

Jaundice and anemia. Helpp =/?

I assume since you say you have anemia, that you have seen a doctor, because there would be no other way to make that statement without a blood test. Sickle Cell? So what is the doctor doing to ad...

My Nephew has Jaundice. What is jaundice, how did he get this, info-info-info please?

It's not too serious. Many new born babies have this condition. According to the links below, it will take care of itself. It's an excess of bilirubin in the blood, produced by the b...

How long for jaundice to clear up ?

how long has it been? my child had it and it as a month before it was gone but it wasnt compleatly gone for about 7 weeks, Get sun light and drink alot of fluids. Good luck

...

I am suffering from jaundice from last 4 months.i dont have any fever,dont hav cold r vomating.?

spend a lot of time in the sun... jaundice means you needmore vitamin d. good luck!

...

Can jaundice?

Yes, jaundice can be serious. It means that your liver/kidneys are not functioning properly, and you have too much bilirubin in your system. If you are jaundiced, you should definitely see a doct...

Safe jaundice level for babies.?

Medical advice should not be attained from the public who are not trained in the medical profession.

...

Jaundice what is it?

When red blood cells break down, they produce a chemical called bilirubin. Bilirubin is supposed to be filtered out of the body by the liver -- but, if red blood cells are breaking down too fast, ...

Jaundice in the eyes, how bad is the prognosis?

I'm so sorry about your mother. It's unfortunate you are unable to find any help for her. Please call your county's health department as they may be able to find a physician to hel...