Comparative study on prediction and course of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term and late preterm babies

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Objectives: To study the course and prediction of significant hyperbilirubinemia in healthy late preterm and term newborns. Material and Methods: study comprises of 150 neonates: 92 term newborns and 58 late preterm neonates, each with birth weight >2000g, without Rh or ABO incompatibility or G6PD deficiency. A thorough clinical examination with biochemical measurement of serum bilirubin was done in both groups serially at 6th hour of birth, 2nd day of life, 3rd day, 4th day and on 7th day respectively and the pattern of rise of serum bilirubin and development of significant hyperbilirubinemia were compared in both groups. Results: Out of total 150 neonates, significant hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusion was noted in 28 patients (18.6%); 12 were term (13%) and 16 were late preterm babies (27.5%) i.e. late preterm babies were 2 times more likely to develop significant hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: Since late preterm babies are more vulnerable than their term counterparts, to the complications associated in early life especially hyperbilirubinemia, special attention is required in treating these babies.