Final answer:
The expected maximum levels of bilirubin in normal full-term healthy infants are critical to monitor, as excessive levels can lead to kernicterus and mental. Hyperbilirubinemia is treated with phototherapy to prevent jaundice from reaching dangerous levels due to the immature blood-brain barrier in newborns.
Step-by-step explanation:
In normal full-term healthy infants, the expected maximum levels of bilirubin must be carefully monitored to prevent the condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. This refers to having high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood, which can lead to serious complications if untreated. Unconjugated bilirubin typically accumulates when the enzyme UDP glucuronyl transferase, which processes bilirubin in the liver, is not fully developed. Although some degree of jaundice is normal in newborns due to elevated bilirubin, levels exceeding 25 mg/100 ml can surpass the binding capacity of albumin and may lead to 'kernicterus', a condition that damages brain cells and can result in mental .
To prevent such outcomes, it's vital for bilirubin to be kept within a safe range, especially since newborns are at higher risk because they lack a fully functional blood-brain barrier. The newborn’s meconium must be cleared to facilitate the excretion of bilirubin. Additionally, phototherapy is used to treat jaundice in newborns, as UV light accelerates the breakdown of bilirubin, allowing for safer levels in the blood.