Cord bilirubin as a predictor for development of hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates

Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem among term newborns. Cord bilirubin level has been found to correlate well with day 3 bilirubin level. We studied whether cord bilirubin could predict risk of development of significant hyperbilirubinemia among term neonates. Methodology: Prospective study from October 2009 -July 2010. All newborns between 37 weeks -42weeks, birth weight > 2500 gram, Apgar score > 7 at 1st& 5th minute of life were included in the study. Cord blood, day 3 & day 5 bilirubin was collected. Maternal data & bilirubin values were collected & analyzed using SPSS software. Results: About 115 babies were studied. There was no significant difference in cord bilirubin & day 3 bilirubin between babies born to mothers < 30 years &> 30 years. There was no significant difference in bilirubin values bassed on mode of delivery. About 29.6% babies developed clinical jaundice & received phototherapy. Cord bilirubin levels had significant association with need of phototherapy. Cord bilirubin >/= 2.1 mg/dl predicted need for phototherapy with PPV of 90.3%. Maternal age, sex of baby, birth weight & gestational age had no significant effect on cord bilirubin levels. Cord bilirubin >/= 2.1 mg/dl predicted day 3 serum bilirubin > 15 mg/dl with sensitivity of 88 % & PPV of 77.49 %. The likelihood ratio with cord bilirubin > 2.1 mg/dl & day 3 serum bilirubin > 15 mg/dl was 9.316. Conclusion: Cord bilirubin is predictive of need of phototherapy & correlated well with day 3 bilirubin levels which would facilitate early management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.