The clinical finding most likely contributing to the relatively low bilirubin level in a newborn at 20 hours of age is physiologic jaundice resulting from increased bilirubin production and limited hepatic conjugation capabilities in the early neonatal period.
In the context of a newborn at 20 hours of age with a bilirubin concentration of 13, the likely contributing factor is physiologic jaundice. Physiologic jaundice is a common occurrence in newborns due to a combination of increased bilirubin production from the breakdown of fetal red blood cells and the limited capacity of the immature neonatal liver to conjugate and eliminate bilirubin efficiently.
During the first few days of life, newborns experience a temporary imbalance in bilirubin metabolism. This is because the newborn liver takes some time to mature and develop the full capacity to process and excrete bilirubin. Additionally, the increased breakdown of fetal red blood cells, which have a higher hemoglobin content, contributes to higher bilirubin levels.
Physiologic jaundice typically appears around the second or third day of life, peaking by the fifth day, and then gradually resolving as the baby's liver matures. In this scenario, the relatively low bilirubin level of 13 at 20 hours of age suggests that the physiologic jaundice is in its early stages, and the newborn is likely to process and eliminate bilirubin effectively as the hepatic function continues to mature. Monitoring bilirubin levels and clinical signs is crucial during this period to ensure that jaundice resolves spontaneously without reaching levels that may pose a risk for the newborn's health.
Complete ques:
At 20 hours of age in newborn is fine to have a bilirubin concentration of 13 which clinical finding most likely contribute to this little robin level which is?