Cord serum bilirubin and albumin in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

The cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia can be ABO/ Rh incompatibility or physiological jaundice. Attempts have been taken to protect neonates from developing kernicterus by estimating cord blood bilirubin. There is lack of data about Cord serum albumin levels in predicting hyperbilirubinemia. At our hospital, we investigated cord blood for CSTB, CSUB and CSA levels at birth and incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in first seven days of neonate’s life. Frequency of hyperbilirubinemia at our center is 33.88%, male genders are found at high risk. Cord serum unconjugated bilirubin level ≥2.0 mg/dl and total cord serum bilirubin level ≥2.5mg/dl appeared as high risk indicator towards predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Cord serum albumin level < 2.8 gm/dl was additional risk indicator in predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.