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Published on: December 31, 2015

Follow-up of neonatal jaundice in term and late premature newborns

Fernando P Facchini1, Maria Aparecida Mezzacappa, Izilda R Rosa

  • 1Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. fepefaca@fcm.unicamp.br

Jornal De Pediatria
|August 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study effectively monitored jaundiced newborns, identifying those at risk for hyperbilirubinemia and preventing serious complications like bilirubin-induced encephalopathy through timely phototherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Jaundice is common in newborns, with a significant percentage of term and near-term infants requiring monitoring.
  • Hyperbilirubinemia poses a risk for bilirubin-induced encephalopathy, necessitating effective screening and management protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a specific follow-up protocol for jaundiced term and near-term neonates.
  • To assess the detection and prevention of hyperbilirubinemia-induced complications.

Main Methods:

  • Infants with bilirubin levels at or above the 40th percentile on the Bhutani nomogram were monitored.
  • Jaundice assessment utilized Ingram icterometer, Bilicheck, and Unistat bilirubinometer.
  • Readmission criteria included bilirubin levels >= 20 mg/dL, with intensive phototherapy administered.

Main Results:

  • Out of 11,259 neonates, 2,452 were referred, and 2,140 (87.2%) returned for follow-up.
  • 180 infants (7.3%) had bilirubinemia >= 15 mg/dL at discharge; 151 returned for follow-up.
  • Twenty infants (13.2%) were readmitted for treatment, with two having levels >= 25 mg/dL; none required exchange transfusions.

Conclusions:

  • The implemented follow-up regime is effective in identifying and managing hyperbilirubinemia in term and near-term infants.
  • This approach successfully prevented severe outcomes associated with bilirubin-induced encephalopathy.
Abstract

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