The treatment for high bilirubin depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, high bilirubin may not require treatment and may resolve on its own. However, if the level of bilirubin is high enough to cause jaundice or other symptoms, treatment may be necessary.
Treatment options for high bilirubin include:
- Phototherapy: This involves exposing the baby to special blue light, which helps break down bilirubin in the blood. This is the most common treatment for high bilirubin in newborns.
- Exchange transfusion: This involves replacing the baby's blood with donor blood, which can help lower the level of bilirubin. This is used in severe cases of high bilirubin.
- Plasmapheresis: This is a procedure that removes bilirubin from the blood by filtering the plasma. It is used in rare cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia.
- Tin-mesoporphyrin: This is a drug that can help break down bilirubin in the blood. It is used in cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia that do not respond to other treatments.
In addition to these treatments, it is important to address the underlying cause of high bilirubin. This may involve treating any underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, or certain types of cancer.
