Association between peak serum bilirubin and neurodevelopmental outcomes in term babies with hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Objective: To find the association between neonatal Peak serum bilirubin (PSB) levels and the neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 months in term infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods: Term neonates who developed jaundice with atleast one PSB value of above 15 mg/dl within first wk of life were included. Babies with any condition affecting the neurodevelopment, like prematurity, convulsions or asphyxia were excluded from the study. This prospective cohort study included 66 term babies out of the 6548 newborns delivered during the study period.

Results: The incidence of abnormal developmental quotient gradually increased with increase in the level of PSB. Based on univariate analysis, a PSB ≥ 22 mg/dl (the cut off obtained based on Receiver operating characteristic curve), Rh incompatibility and occurrence of jaundice within 2 days of life were found to be significant risk factors for abnormal developmental quotient. These three risk factors were also independently associated with abnormal development by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions: PSB level of ≥ 22 mg/dl, Rh incompatibility and occurrence of jaundice within 2 days of life are independent predictors of abnormal development in babies with neonatal jaundice.