Sixth hour transcutaneous bilirubin predicting significant hyperbilirubinemia in ABO incompatible neonates

Neonates with ABO hemolytic disease are at greater risk for developing significant hyperbilirubinemia. We aimed to determine whether sixth hour transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) could predict such a risk.

TcB measurements were obtained at the 6th hour of life in blood group A or B neonates born to blood group O, rhesus factor compatible mothers. Subsequent hyperbilirubinemia was monitored and considered significant if a neonate required phototherapy/exchange transfusion. The predictive role of sixth hour TcB was estimated.

Of 144 ABO incompatible neonates, 41(OA, 24; O-B, 17) had significant hyperbilirubinemia. Mean sixth hour TcB was significantly higher among neonates who developed significant hyperbilirubinemia than those who did not (5.83±1.35 mg/dL vs. 3.65±0.96 mg/dL, P<0.001). Sixth hour TcB value >4 mg/dL had the highest sensitivity of 93.5% and >6 mg/dL had the highest specificity of 99%. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.898.

Sixth hour TcB predicts subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia in ABO incompatible neonates.