At what bilirubin level is pathological jaundice indicated if palms and soles are involved?

Pathological jaundice in neonates often presents when the bilirubin levels exceed 15 mg/dL, particularly when there is involvement of the palms and soles, which indicates a more severe condition. In neonates, the presence of jaundice can be quite common, especially physiological jaundice, which typically appears after the first 24 hours of life and resolves within two weeks. However, when the bilirubin levels rise to 15 mg/dL and above, or when jaundice manifests in areas like the palms and soles, it signifies a pathological process that requires further investigation and potential intervention.

The involvement of palms and soles is a critical factor that distinguishes pathological jaundice from normal physiological jaundice. This level of bilirubin is an important threshold because it often points toward issues such as hemolytic disorders, liver dysfunction, or other underlying pathology that could pose risks to the newborn. Therefore, management and treatment strategies will be necessary to address the increased bilirubin levels to prevent complications such as kernicterus, a severe form of bilirubin encephalopathy.

In contrast, lower bilirubin levels, such as 5 mg/dL, 10 mg/dL, or even lower than 15 mg/dL, generally do not indicate a pathological