Bilirubin Nomogram Research Articles

Applicability of the hour of life approach in hyperbilirubinemia among Filipino term infants.

BackgroundHyperbilirubinemia remains a common morbidity among infants. Additional research on bilirubin kinetics and associated risk factors will contribute to providing a more targeted management approach for the Filipino infant.ObjectiveTo develop a Filipino bilirubin nomogram by studying bilirubin patterns during the first 5 days of life.MethodologyThis prospective study recruited 1,412 stable, full-term infants (≥37 weeks age of gestation) born at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Using the Dräger-Minolta JM-103 jaundice meter, transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels were determined at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 24th, 36th, 48th, 72nd, 96th, and 120th hour of life (HOL). A bilirubin nomogram was created using the averages of 3 TcB forehead and sternal measurements at each time epoch. Simultaneous measurement of TcB and total serum bilirubin (TsB) on a subset of 106 infants was done to determine correlation.ResultsCorrelation coefficients were high between TsB and forehead TcB (r2 = 0.88), and between TsB and sternal TcB (r2 = 0.91). The Filipino bilirubin nomogram reflected a steep rise until the 48th hour, followed by plateauing of values. Inadequate nursing and bilirubin levels at 12th and 48th HOL were risk factors for developing significant hyperbilirubinemia at 72nd HOL.ConclusionTcB is a reliable, non-invasive bilirubin screening tool. Among healthy, full-term, Filipino infants, their nomogram features a sudden increase in bilirubin values during the first 48 h, followed by a plateau. To aid in identification of infants at risk for significant hyperbilirubinemia, healthcare providers can assess breastfeeding adequacy and perform bilirubin screening at the 24th−48th HOL. Registration No. (RGAO-2016-0686).

Gestational Age-Specific Nomogram of Transcutaneous Bilirubin in First 120 h of Life for Term and Late Preterm Indian Neonates

To create a nomogram based on transcutaneous bilirubin values (TCB) in first week of life for term and late preterm (>34 weeks) neonates. Prospective longitudinal study. Four tertiary-care teaching hospitals (one each in eastern and southern India, two in northern India) between February 2019 and March 2020. A total of 2492 term and late preterm (>34 weeks) neonates. Bilirubin was measured by transcutaneous bilirubinometer (Drager JM-105, Germany) in all neonates in pre-specified times of the day, 12 hourly every day since birth till discharge between 48 and 72 h, and data were recorded in epochs of 6 hourly intervals. Post-discharge, all neonates were called for review in next 48 h. Primary-TCB in first week of life. Secondary-factors having significant association with significant hyperbilirubinaemia requiring phototherapy. Total of 2492 neonates (males 1303 and female 1189), with a total of 14162 TCB recordings were analysed and mean hourly bilirubin (TCB) at hourly intervals till 120 h and then daily bilirubin values on Days 6 and 7 were tabulated. We have constructed hour-specific bilirubin nomogram with percentiles as per gestational age in term and near-term Indian neonates till 120 h of life. Amongst the known risk factors, delayed cord clamping, primipara and breastfeeding jaundice had significant association for hyperbilirubinaemia needing phototherapy. We have created gestation-specific nomogram of TCB levels in 6 hourly intervals for the first 120 postnatal hours, obtained from a large predominantly breast fed healthy, term and near-term Indian neonates.

Predischarge screening of neonates with transcutaneous bilirubinometer: Comparison of various nomograms

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of various transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) nomograms for predischarge screening. Methods: The paired total serum bilirubin (TSB) and TcB measurements collected in neonates ≥35 weeks and ≥2000 g birth weight were analyzed. BiliCare™ bilirubinometer was used for TcB measurement. We chose the following nomograms for the study: Bhutani nomogram, Maisel's nomogram, Agarwal nomogram, Thakkar nomogram, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) nomogram within 3 mg/dl of phototherapy cutoff, AAP nomogram >70% of phototherapy cutoff and if TcB value is above 13 mg/dl. The diagnostic accuracy of these nomograms for TcB was compared with TSB plotted in the Bhutani nomogram. Results: TcB showed a positive correlation with TSB (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.783). Bhutani nomogram, Maisel's nomogram and AAP (using within 3 mg/dL cutoff) nomogram showed good sensitivity and low false-negative rate while avoiding blood draws in most neonates. Conclusion: Bhutani nomogram, Maisel's nomogram, and AAP (using within 3 mg/dL of phototherapy cutoff) nomograms have comparable diagnostic accuracy for predischarge bilirubin screening in neonates.

Web Services and Cloud Computing in Pediatric Care.

Electronic health record (EHR) systems do not uniformly implement pediatric-supportive functionalities. One method of adding these capabilities across EHR platforms is to integrate Web services and Web applications that may perform decision support and store data in the cloud when the EHR platform is able to integrate Web services. Specific examples of these services are described, such as immunization clinical decision support services, consumer health resources, and bilirubin nomograms. Health care providers, EHR vendors, and developers share responsibilities in the appropriate development, integration, and use of Web services and Web applications as they relate to best practices in the areas of data security and confidentiality, technical availability, audit trails, terminology and messaging standards, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, testing, usability, and other considerations. It is desirable for health care providers to have knowledge of Web services and Web applications that can improve pediatric capabilities in their own EHRs because this will naturally inform discussions concerning EHR features and facilitate implementation and subsequent use of these capabilities by clinicians caring for children.

Integrating Web Services/Applications to Improve Pediatric Functionalities in Electronic Health Records.

The past decade has seen a substantial increase in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) by health care providers caring for children. However, gaps in pediatric-specific functionalities continue to exist in some EHR systems, including population-specific growth curves, immunization clinical decision support, weight-based medication dosing with rounding, calculation of pediatric hypertension percentiles, age-specific developmental assessment, newborn bilirubin nomograms, anticipatory guidance reminders, and other functionalities described elsewhere. Implementing pediatric functionalities into EHRs is critical to the provision of safe pediatric care. As an alternative to direct implementation in EHRs, EHR vendor agnostic Web applications, Web services, and application programming interfaces offer an opportunity to provide pediatric functionalities and eliminate the need for each vendor to develop these functionalities. Successful implementation of Web services and related technologies requires responsible attention from both EHR vendors and developers of Web services, Web applications, and application programming interfaces to the use of data terminology standards, adherence to privacy and security requirements, rigorous testing, change management processes, and robust system support and maintenance. Education of health care providers about opportunities to improve pediatric functionalities in EHRs by using these services can facilitate discussions in EHR user groups in which vendors can be lobbied to implement them. This policy statement emphasizes the need to address pediatric-specific functionalities in EHRs by providing insight and recommendations into the development, maintenance, integration, and support of these novel solutions.

A New Hour-Specific Serum Bilirubin Nomogram for Neonates ≥35 Weeks of Gestation

To develop a statistically rigorous, hour-specific bilirubin nomogram for newborns based on a very large data set; and use it prospectively as a replacement for the 1999 Bhutani nomogram. This was a retrospective analysis of first total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements from 15years of universal bilirubin screening during birth hospitalizations at 20 Intermountain Healthcare hospitals. Hour-specific TSB values were assembled into a nomogram by percentile, and subgroups were compared. The information obtained included robust data in the first 12hours after birth (which was not included in the 1999 nomogram), general agreement with the 1999 nomogram for values in the first 60hours, but higher 75th and 95th percentile TSB values thereafter in the new version, no difference in TSB between male and female infants, higher TSB values among earlier gestation neonates (350/7-366/7weeks vs ≥37weeks, P<.0001), and lower TSB values in neonates of Black race (P<.0001) and higher values in neonates of Asian race (P<.001). An updated and more informative Bhutani neonatal bilirubin nomogram, based on 140 times the number of subjects included the 1999 version, is now in place in our health care system.

Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Bilirubin Measurement in High-Risk Neonates and to Evaluate Validity of Transcutaneous Bilirubin With Total Serum Bilirubin Levels in Both Low and High-Risk Neonates at a Tertiary Care Center in a Developing Country.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the usefulness of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcBR) nomogram in high-risk neonates and to identify the validity of TcBR and total serum bilirubin (TsBR) in both low and high-risk neonates to guide management in under-resourced settings.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted at the well-baby nursery of a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. All neonates admitted in the well-baby nursery with jaundice were stratified into high and low-risk groups. Eighty-seven neonates were included in the low-risk group and 121 neonates in the high-risk group. The usefulness of the TcBR nomogram in high-risk neonates and the validity of TcBR and TsBR in both low and high-risk neonates were determined through sensitivity and specificity analysis.ResultsThe correlation coefficients (r) were found to be comparable in the high-risk group (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and the low-risk group (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). The specificity of cutaneous bilirubin measurement based on bilirubin levels in the high-risk group was higher (93.0%) than that of the low-risk group (90.1%). However, the sensitivity was found to be lower (60.0%) in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group (68.8%). The mean value of TsBR was equal in both groups. The mean TcBR in the high-risk group was 10 ± 2.3 compared to 11 ± 2.1 in the low-risk group. Phototherapy was given in 67.0% of the high-risk cases and 41.4% of the low-risk cases. Bland Altman analysis was also performed to depict the relationship between TcBR and TsBR measurements.ConclusionThe TcBR nomogram was effective in high-risk neonates and also had validity in both high and low-risk neonates. A phototherapy-driven protocol based on TcBR would be a cost-effective and useful tool in the identification and management of neonatal jaundice in both high and low-risk groups in developing countries like Pakistan.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSCUTANEOUS BILIRUBIN (TCBR) MEASUREMENT IN HIGH RISK NEONATES AND TO EVALUATE THE VALIDITY OF TRANSCUTANEOUS BILIRUBIN (TCBR) WITH TOTAL SERUM BILIRUBIN (TSBR) LEVELS IN BOTH LOW AND HIGH RISK NEONATES AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF....

Objective: To evaluate the utility of a Transcutaneous Bilirubin nomogram in high risk neonates and to evaluate the validity of Transcutaneous Bilirubin and Total serum bilirubin in both low and high-risk neonates.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Postnatal Ward, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from May to Oct 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: The participants will include all neonates born and admitted in the well baby nursery withjaundice. All neonates with gestational age of &lt;35 weeks, requiring admission in Neonatal intensive care unit, and neonates with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia will be excluded. We will stratify our neonates into high and low risk population based on predefined criteria. Eighty five neonates in low risk group and 122 neonates in high risk group will be included.&#x0D; Results: We aim to assess the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Bilirubin nomogram in high risk neonates asan effective and non-invasive tool in the management of neonatal jaundice in high risk neonates. We will alsoassess the sensitivity and specificity of Transcutaneous Bilirubin and Total serum bilirubin measurementsand the analysis would be performed separately for high risk and low risk neonates to evaluate the validity ofTranscutaneous Bilirubin independently in both groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: We hope to establish a validated phototherapy guideline based on the Transcutaneous Bilirubinnomogram, as a cost effective and noninvasive tool in the management of neonatal jaundice in both high and low risk groups in Pakistan.

Natural history of early neonatal bilirubinemia: a global perspective.

Due to selection bias and other issues, the only available serum bilirubin-based nomogram does not reflect the natural history of early neonatal bilirubinemia. Our objective was to obtain a global picture of the natural history of early post-natal bilirubin trajectories. We pooled readings from 19 published transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram reports including many newborns at multiple sites. We constructed a universal transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram which included the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles from 12 to 120 h. The global transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram included >119,000 readings from 44,392 apparently normal, predominantly breastfed newborns ≥35 weeks gestation. The pooled transcutaneous bilirubin trajectories increased during the first 3 post-natal days, and peaked or plateaued between the 3rd and 4th days. We provide the first globally derived transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram that reflects the natural history of early neonatal bilirubinemia in neonates ≥35 weeks gestation.

Exchange blood transfusion in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia in a lower-middle-income country: can we minimise the incidence?

Our descriptive study examines the clinical profile of referred neonates who underwent exchange blood transfusion (EBT) and identifies possible interventions at peripheral hospitals to decrease their severe hyperbilirubinemia. Among the 38 neonates enrolled, the following were identified as potential clinical gaps in management: early discharge within 24 h of birth (57%); non-availability of ABORh blood grouping (43%); lack of anti-D immunoprophylaxis (75%); pathological weight loss because of inadequate breastfeeding (42%); and low usage of phototherapy. Because of late recognition, the mean age at admission was 5.4 ± 3.3 days, levels of total serum bilirubin (TSB) were 516.4 ± 123.1 µmol/L, and acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) was seen in 45% of neonates. Rh iso-immunisation (39.5%), ABO iso-immunisation (21%) and sepsis (8%) were major risk factors for severe hyperbilirubinaemia. Quality prenatal screening identifying at-risk newborns, preventing early discharge after birth, a bilirubin nomogram risk assignment before discharge and assuring early recognition of hyperbiliubinaemia by parents may well minimise the incidence of EBT.

IMPACT OF PROBIOTICS ON NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA

Background: Jaundice is one of the most common conditions requires medical care in neonates. The yellow colour of the skin and the sclera in neonates is the result of the accumulation of bilirubin, the most common natural consequence of the first week of life as indicated by Bhutani Hour-specific bilirubin nomogram, Bilirubin encephalopathy is a devastating brain injury, which can cause permanent neurodevelopmental handicaps, so prevention& treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is very important . Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics on neonatal hyper bilirubinemia. Methods: It is randomized controlled clinical trial; it included 100Full term neonates who were admitted immediately or shortly after birth due to pathological Hyperbilirubinemia as indicated by Bhutani Hour-specific bilirubin nomogram. To NICU of Al-AZHAR university hospitals the cases dived into Group (A) 50 cases treated by phototherapy in combination with probiotics and group (B) 50 as control treated by Phototherapy only. The serum bilirubin levels were done before and the1st, 4th, 7th days after treatment with probiotics (lactobacillus 5 billion/ sachets) divided into 3 doses daily for 7 days). The time when therapy showed effects and jaundice faded, Clinical outcomes as well as adverse reactions were recorded. Results: Serum bilirubin levels of the two groups were similar before treatment. The levels significantly decreased at the 4th and 7th days after treatment of probiotics in group(A )(P 0.05) between the two groups, In group (A) the therapy exerted effects after (2.7±0.8) day and jaundice faded after (4.8±0.9) day) while in group (B)) the therapy exerted effects after (3.9±1.7) day and jaundice faded after (5.9±1.8) day, the effective rate of decrease in group (A) significantly exceeded that in group (B), (P=0.007, 0.002). Conclusion: The use of probiotics is an important adjuvant to phototherapy during management of neonatal hyper bilirubinemia this combination reduce the side effects of phototherapy and the duration of hospital stay for cases of neonatal hyper bilirubinemia.

Variation in Transcutaneous Bilirubin Nomograms across Population Groups

Variation in Transcutaneous Bilirubin Nomograms across Population Groups

Transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram for evaluating the risk of hyperbilirubinemia in Iranian healthy newborns.

Hyperbilirubinemia, which is mostly benign, is one of the most common problems in neonates. This study was conducted to draw a skin bilirubin nomogram for evaluating the risk of hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment. This cross-sectional study recruited 1066 healthy infants. The first transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement was performed before hospital discharge and within 12-48h of birth. The neonates were followed up for 6 days after discharge based on their age at the time of discharge. The neonates were divided into four groups based on the TcB values before discharge and age in hours, including the low-risk, medium-low-risk, medium-high-risk and high-risk groups. The percentage of neonates who progressed toward severe hyperbilirubinemia was then calculated in each percentile based on the follow-up TcB measurement. Stata software was used to draw the nomogram. Based on the TcB values at discharge and the neonate's age in hours, the skin bilirubin nomogram was drawn in 40, 75 and 95 percentiles. A total of 4.9% of the neonates were in the high-risk group, 18.9% in the medium-high-risk group, 34.8% in the medium-low-risk group and 41.2% in the low-risk group. The risk of severe jaundice in the follow-up of the neonates in the highest-risk to the lowest-risk groups was 48.9, 14.5, 9.7 and 3.3%, respectively. The skin bilirubin nomogram can be used to predict severe hyperbilirubinemia in Iranian infants.

Transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram for the first 144 hours in Thai neonates

Objectives: To develop an hour-specific transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) nomogram for Thai neonates and to compare the ability of this nomogram with that of Bhutani’s total serum bilirubin (TSB) nomogram for prediction of significant hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy.Methods: Healthy Thai neonates, gestational age ≥35-week-gestation and birth weight ≥2000 grams were enrolled. Neonates who could not attend the postdischarge follow-up at our center were excluded. TcB measurements were routinely performed at 6 am and 6 pm using JM103 transcutaneous bilirubinometer until the neonates were discharged or received phototherapy. TcB levels were also measured at least once during 24–72 hours after discharge and thereafter depending on the pediatricians’ decision. The nomogram was developed from the TcB data during age 12–144 hours of neonates who did not require phototherapy. The TcB values that obtained predischarge or before receiving phototherapy of all neonates were used to determine the predictive ability of this nomogram and Bhutani’s TSB nomogram.Results: A total of 1071 neonates were included. Two hundred forty-one neonates (22.5%) required phototherapy. The nomogram was constructed using 4834 hour-specific TcB values. It provided a good prediction with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.89. The 75th percentile tract revealed sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.1 and 95.4% while that of the 40th percentile tract were 97.9 and 98.5% respectively. When Bhutani’s nomogram was used, the AUC was 0.84. The sensitivity and NPV of the 75th percentile tract were 56.4 and 88.2%, and for the 40th percentile tract were 97.1 and 98.0% respectively.Conclusion: The newly developed TcB nomogram revealed slightly better predictive ability than Bhutani’s TSB nomogram for term and late preterm Thai neonates who were the population with high prevalence of significant hyperbilirubinemia. The 40th percentile curve of both nomograms should be considered as an appropriate cut-off level for prediction.

Transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram for Taiwanese newborns – A single center study

Hour-specific bilirubin nomogram has been recommended to predict postdischarge hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. However, it may not be applicable in Taiwan due to ethnic differences. The aim of this study was to construct a 12-h specific transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) nomogram in newborns for clinical reference. We prospectively enrolled full term or late preterm neonates born in a tertiary care hospital between October 2013 and July 2014. The exclusion criteria included chromosome anomaly, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and receiving phototherapy within 60h after birth. TCB measurements were performed by a single technician using the Bilichek device, and measured every 12h until neonates were discharged. Patient data including sex, delivery mode, gestational age, body weight with daily change, and feeding pattern were collected for analysis. A TCB nomogram was constructed with 40th, 75th, and 95th percentile lines. A total of 498 newborns were enrolled, and the characteristics between the hyperbilirubinemia and nonhyperbilirubinemia groups were not different. The mean TCB curve revealed that the peak TCB level was 14.2±2.9mg/dL at 100.6±3.6h of age. The peak 95th percentile TCB level was 19.4mg/dL at 121.9±5h of age. Mean TCB levels increased at a rate of 0.01-0.21mg/dL/h initially, followed by a decrease after 96-108h of age. Twenty newborns (4%) were diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia. Regarding TCB distribution, 11 of 60 (18%) had peak TCB levels above the 95th percentile, 5 of 151 (3%) had TCB levels between the 75th and 95th percentile, 4 of 200 (2%) had levels between the 40th and 75th percentiles, and none had a level below the 40th percentile. A 12-h specific TCB nomogram could be a useful reference for workup for hyperbilirubinemia, particularly when it is above the 95th percentile line.

Race specific nomograms: time for change?

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem in neonates. Because of the genetic differences in bilirubin metabolism, an hour specific nomogram is better in each geographical location. No studies in South India for creation and validation of a nomogram for significant hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of this study was to create and validate a bilirubin nomogram in South Indian infants.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study. The data was collected in 2 parts, over 18 months (264 infants) and 20 months (450 infants) respectively. Babies with established direct hyperbilirubinemia, polycythemia, hypothyroidism, culture proven sepsis, major congenital anomalies and jaundice on day 1 of life were excluded. For all babies, cord bilirubin (for first set of infants), total serum bilirubin values were sent at 24 hours of life and at the time of discharge. An hour specific nomogram was created with 834 bilirubin values (first set of data). The predictive ability of this nomogram and Bhutani nomogram were tested and compared using 972 total serum bilirubin values (second set of data)Results: A nomogram was created with serum bilirubin values from the first set of infants and validated it with the serum bilirubin values from the second set of infants. Bhutani nomogram was also validated. Comparing with Bhutani nomogram, our nomogram was better in predicting significant hyperbilirubinemia in our population.Conclusions: Discharging neonates without risk assessment for severe hyperbilirubinemia may be dangerous. A nomogram generated and validated with our data is an accurate tool for predicting significant hyperbilirubinemia in our population.

Maternal socio-demographic and psychological predictors for risk of developmental delays among young children in Mongolia

BackgroundFactors influencing child development are not well studied in developing settings, and especially in Mongolia. This cohort study examined the relationship between maternal socio-demographic and psychological conditions on risk of young child developmental delay.MethodsA total of 150 children aged between 13 ~ 24 months old participated in this study. The participants were randomly selected from a pre-existing cohort of 1297 children who were involved in a study on infant bilirubin nomogram development conducted at a tertiary health facility in Mongolia between 2012 and 2013. Child development was evaluated using the Mongolian Rapid Baby Scale (MORBAS), a validated scale for child development. The potential factors for child developmental delay were assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire comprising of 52 questions. Fisher’s exact test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted.ResultsSeventeen (11%) out of the 150 children that participated in the study were at risk of developmental delay. There was a negative association between the risk of child developmental delay and higher maternal education (AOR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.66). Increasing maternal age (AOR 1.12, 95%CI: 0.98–1.27), maternal depression symptoms (AOR 4.93, 95%CI: 0.93–26.10), child gender being female (AOR 0.25, 95%CI: 0.06–1.00) and being from single mother household (AOR 0.14, 95%CI: 0.01–1.11) were also predictors for risk of developmental delay – although the association was marginal.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that being of underprivileged social status, and poor psychological condition of mothers in Mongolia possibly increases the risk of child developmental delays. Interventions targeting these modifiable predictors are needed to develop prevention strategies for child developmental delay.

Israel transcutaneous bilirubin nomogram predicts significant hyperbilirubinemia.

We constructed a transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) nomogram to represent major sectors of the Israeli population. We studied the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, defined as meeting the requirements for phototherapy, per percentile risk category. Newborns ⩾36 weeks gestation were tested daily for TcB, using Drager JM-103 devices, during birth hospitalization. A nomogram was constructed and divided into four risk groups and validated by calculating the need for phototherapy for each group. A total of 3303 measurements were performed on 1059 consecutive newborns including Ashkenazi, Sephardic and mixed Ashkenazi/Sephardic Jews, Arab and Ethiopian Jewish. Phototherapy risk increased progressively and more than 100-fold, from 0/225 in the <40th percentile group through 27/120 (22.5%) for those >95th percentile (relative risk (95% confidence interval) 102 (6 to 1669) for those >95th percentile compared with those <40th percentile). The optimal risk for discriminating the need for phototherapy was >75th percentile (sensitivity 93.33, specificity 59.47). The risk of significant hyperbilirubinemia increased progressively with increasing percentile. Newborns >75th percentile groups are at high risk for phototherapy and should be closely monitored.

Umbilical cord blood acid-base analysis and the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia in near-term and term newborns: a cohort study

BackgroundThe recognition, follow-up, and early treatment of neonatal jaundice has become more difficult, since the earlier discharge of newborns from hospitals has become common practice. Since intrapartum hypoxic stress has been pointed as predisposing factor for the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia risk, we tested the association with the cord blood acid-base index tests.MethodsA cohort of healthy term and near-term newborns underwent umbilical cord hemogasanalysis at birth and capillary heel total serum bilirubin (TSB) pre-discharge, scheduled at 36 h of life, to define the risk of significant hyperbilirubinemia, defined as >9 mg/dL TSB level, ≥ 75th percentile on nomogram of Bhutani et al.ResultsIt was found that among 537 studied neonates, 133 (24.8%) had pre-discharge TSB levels of >9 mg/dL. When the cord blood gas analysis index tests were compared, their acidemia levels were significantly higher than those of neonates with normal TSB levels: HCO3− (20.71 ± 2.37 vs. 21.29 ± 2.25 mEq/L, p < 0.010), base deficit (−3.52 ± 3.188 vs. -2.68 ± 3.266 mEq/L, p < 0.010), and lactacidemia (3.84 ± 1.864 vs. 3.39 ± 1.737 mEq/L, p < 0.012), respectively. However, logistic regression analysis showed that base deficit was the strongest index of the pre-discharge hyperbilirubinemia risk (OR, 95% CI 0.593; 0.411–0.856), and the hyperbilirubinemia risk increased by 40% with the decrease of 1 mEq/L of base deficit.ConclusionsUmbilical cord blood acidemia and lactacidemia are significant indexes of adaptive mechanisms at birth. The base deficit provides the strongest association with future development of high bilirubin on an hour specific bilirubin nomogram generating risk stratification score in term and near-term neonates.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous bilirubin measurement in managing neonatal jaundice in postnatal ward of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

IntroductionNeonatal jaundice is a common cause of concern in immediate newborn period for parents as well as for the caregivers. Babies with visible jaundice are identified by the healthcare provider,...