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Subject:
From:
Patrica Young <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 23 Sep 1998 22:59:25 -0400
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Gartner, Lawrence M., Neonatal Jaundice, Pediatrics in Review 15(11), Nov.
1994, p.422-432. p.423. "The pattern in Asian infants (no matter where they
are born) and in Native Americans is markedly different (Figure 1).  In
these infants, serum bilirubin concentrations rise more rapidly in the
first days of life, reaching mean peak values ranging from 135 to 205 uM/L
(8-12 mg/dL) on day 4 or 5.  The decline in serum bilirubin concentrations
also is slower.  Compared with white and black infants, Asian newborns
typically have more exaggerated and prolonged physiologic jaundice.
Approximately 2 % of term Asian newborns will have serum bilirubin
concentrations in excess of 250 uM/L (20 mg/dL) during the first week of
life.  This contrasts with an incidence of less than 1% in the other two
racial groups.  Whether these higher average serum bilirubin concentrations
in the physiologic jaundice of Asian infants places them at greater or
lesser risk of bilirubin encephalopathy is unknown.  Limited clinical
experience in Asia suggests that they are not different from whites or
blacks with respect to levels at which kernicterus may occur.  The
proportion of yellow-race infants  reaching higher levels of bilirubin is
somewhat increased, possibly adding to the population at potential risk for
bilirubin encephalopathy."

Sounds to me like dad's facts aren't totally correct.  Yes, more Asian
babies get jaundiced. BUT  Yes, it needs to be monitored and treated  if
needed.
Sincerely, Pat in SNJ

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