Study of Correlation of Cord Blood Bilirubin with Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Introduction: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is a universal problem affecting nearly 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates during first week of life. Early discharge of healthy term newborns is a common practice because of medical, social and economic constraints. Insignificant number (6.5%) of babies, NH is a cause for readmission. The present study was conducted to correlate the Cord Blood Bilirubin (CBB) level with subsequent NH. Methods: Study was performed at the Department of Pediatrics in a Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. Intramurally delivered, 113 Healthy full-term newborns during 1-year period were prospectively enrolled. CBB was estimated. Serum Bilirubin estimation was done at 48 hours and 5 day of age and later if required. Results: Significant NH in our study is 3.5%. Mean total bilirubin on second postnatal day was 10.58 mg/dl and on fifth post natal day was 10.81 mg/dl. Using CBB level of ≥3 mg/dl as a cut-off, NH can be predicted with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 98.17%, positive predictive value of 66.67% and negative predictive value of 100%. Conclusion: A 100% Negative Predictive Value in the present study suggests that in Healthy Term babies (without RH and ABO incompatibility with Cord Blood Bilirubin ≤3mg/dl) cord serum bilirubin can help to identify those newborns who are unlikely to require further evaluation and intervention. These newborns can be discharged with assurance to Parents. Babies with CBB level ≥3mg/dl should be followed more frequently.