Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
How should hyperbilirubinemia be considered in the definition of the hearing screening protocol for neonates at risk?
Kátia de Freitas Alvarenga1, Anna Paula Dionizio da Silva Campelo1, Marina Saes Rays2
1Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru - FOB, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil.
Insights
Hyperbilirubinemia, a common condition in newborns, does not appear to be a reliable indicator for newborn hearing screening (NHS) failures. Bilirubin levels below exchange transfusion thresholds were not linked to failed hearing tests in term or preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Audiology
- Pediatric medicine
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is crucial for early detection of hearing loss.
- Hyperbilirubinemia is a common neonatal condition that may warrant monitoring.
- The relationship between bilirubin levels and NHS outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze hyperbilirubinemia as an indicator for risk stratification in newborn hearing screening (NHS).
- To evaluate the association between bilirubin levels and auditory monitoring outcomes in term and preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- Observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of 554 neonates (373 term, 181 preterm).
- Data collected from medical records, including NHS results (automated auditory brainstem response - AABR), bilirubin levels (total and indirect), and clinical factors.
- Statistical analysis compared outcomes between term and preterm groups and between NHS 'pass' and 'fail' results.
Main Results:
- Retest referral rates were lower in term neonates compared to preterm neonates.
- No significant differences were found in delivery type, gender, blood group incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, or phototherapy use between groups.
- Total and indirect bilirubin levels at first exam and peak did not differ between neonates who passed or failed the NHS test in either group.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal bilirubin levels below exchange transfusion thresholds are not directly associated with 'fail' results on newborn hearing screening.
- Hyperbilirubinemia, within these limits, may not be a primary risk factor for false positives in NHS.
Purpose:
To analyze hyperbilirubinemia as an indicator for the definition of risk protocol in newborn hearing screening (NHS) and in auditory monitoring in full-term and preterm neonates.
Methods:
This is an observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study. A total of 554 children born in a public maternity hospital were included and divided into two groups: (G1) with 373 full-terms neonates; (G2) with 181 preterm neonates. Data were collected from the participant's medical records to obtain information regarding the result of the NHS, performed by recording the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR), birth conditions, clinical characteristics, interventions performed, and results of the first test of total bilirubin (TB) and indirect bilirubin (IB) as well as the peak of TB and IB. A descriptive statistical analysis of the results was performed, and the level of significance adopted was 5%.
Results:
On the NHS test, quotes of retest referral rates were smaller in G1 when compared to G2. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding type of delivery, gender, presence of Rh and ABO incompatibility, G6PD enzyme deficiency, and performance of phototherapy. TB and IB levels at the first exam and at peak time did not differ between neonates with "pass" and "fail" results on the NHS test in both groups.
Conclusion:
Bilirubin levels in the neonatal period below the recommended values for indication of exchange transfusion are not directly related to the "fail" result on the NHS tests in term and preterm neonates.
More Related Videos
14:05Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
08:30Neonatal Murine Cochlear Explant Technique as an In Vitro Screening Tool in Hearing Research
Published on: June 8, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:25Jaundice