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"Safe" hyperbilirubinemia is associated with altered neonatal behavior.
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Federico II, Via Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
Biology of the Neonate
|February 5, 2003
Summary
Neonatal jaundice, even at moderate levels not requiring treatment, can impact infant behavior. This study found lower scores in visual and auditory assessments and increased tremors in jaundiced newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Current treatment guidelines for neonatal jaundice are based on higher bilirubin levels.
- The potential behavioral effects of moderate hyperbilirubinemia remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of moderate hyperbilirubinemia on neonatal behavior.
- To assess behavioral differences in healthy, untreated term neonates with moderate jaundice compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Brazelton Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (BNBAS).
- Compared 28 healthy, untreated, term neonates with moderate jaundice to 28 matched controls with low bilirubinemia.
- Assessed visual and auditory responses, state lability, self-quieting ability, and tremors.
Main Results:
- Neonates with moderate jaundice scored significantly lower on visual and auditory items (inanimate and animate).
- The jaundiced group exhibited greater state lability, reduced self-quieting ability, and more frequent tremors.
- These behavioral alterations were observed even in the range where phototherapy is not typically recommended.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbilirubinemia, even at moderate levels, can adversely affect neonatal behavior.
- Findings suggest potential neurological impacts of bilirubin levels below current treatment thresholds.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term implications of these behavioral changes.