Publication:

Prediction of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by cord blood analysis to diagnose subsequent hyperbilirubinemia

Background the study was aimed to determine the predictive value of cord bilirubin and 24th hour serum bilirubin levels in identifying newborn babies at risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods A total 300 term neonates with a mean birth weight of 2.58±0.23 kg ranging from 1.92 kg-4.1kg were included in this study. Under strict aseptic precautions cord blood sample were collected from all newborns for analysis of serum bilirubin levels, and haemoglobin levels.

Results The incidence of significant hyperbilirubinemia in this study was 14%. Among jaundiced newborns sex ratio M/F:1.6:1(male female ratio 1.1:1). Mean Cord bilirubin levels in babies who subsequently developed hyperbilirubinemia was 2.798±0.5559 mg/dl and in others were 1.511±0.3260 mg/dl and the difference was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant correlation between cord bilirubin and neonatal jaundice. Cord bilirubin ≥2 mg/dl had good predictive value in identifying newborns who are likely to develop significant hyperbilirubinemia later.

Conclusions Babies with cord blood bilirubin ≥2 mg/dl can be followed up in the hospital for 5 days, the time of peak neonatal hyperbilirubinemia to prevent the babies discharged early and later readmission for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.