What bilirubin increase per day indicates pathological jaundice?

Pathological jaundice in neonates often presents with a more rapid increase in bilirubin levels than physiological jaundice, which is typically seen in healthy newborns. When bilirubin levels rise by 5 mg/dL or more per day, it indicates that there may be an underlying pathological process contributing to the jaundice.

This rapid increase can result from various factors, including hemolytic diseases, liver dysfunction, or other metabolic disorders. In the context of clinical practice, monitoring bilirubin levels closely is crucial, especially within the first few days of life when neonatal jaundice is common.

Normal physiological jaundice generally peaks at a bilirubin level of around 12-15 mg/dL and tends to resolve within the first couple of weeks without any intervention. In contrast, a rise of 5 mg/dL or more per day is a critical threshold that suggests the need for further investigation and potential treatment, as it may lead to negative outcomes like kernicterus if not managed appropriately.