Prediction Of Significant Hyperbilirubinemia In Late Preterm And Term Babies Using First Day Serum Bilirubin Level – A Prospective Study

Abstract

Title : Prediction of significant hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm and term babies using first day serum bilirubin - A Prospective Study. S.S Kalyanshettar , Betsy M. Background & Objectives Jaundice occurs in most newborns. Most jaundice is benign, but because of the potential toxicity of bilirubin, newborn infants must be monitored to identify those who go for severe hyperbilirubinemia and in rare cases, acute bilirubin encephalopathy / kernicterus. With increasing trend on early discharge of term and late preterm newborns, the study aim was to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia using first day serum bilirubin. Study hypothesis was that serum bilirubin level on first day of life is a good predictor of its own peak achieved later in the week (by day 3 of life). Methods The study was conducted on a prospective cohort of 170 babies (late preterm and term) born at a tertiary level hospital in North Karnataka. The main outcome measured was significant hyperbilirubinemia on day 3 of life. Serum bilirubin was estimated within 24 hours of life. Exclusion criteria were Rh incompatibility, ABO incompatibility, life threatening congenital malformations, birth asphyxia, sepsis and hypothyroidism.