To study the association between various levels of cord serum albumin (CSA) and significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring interventions like phototherapy or exchange transfusion

J Family Med Prim Care. 2022 Jun;11(6):2483-2487. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1450_21. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is most common normal physiological phenomenon in neonates affecting almost one third of newborn.it may lead to neuro disability leading to deafness and cerebral palsy which can be prevented if detected and treated as soon as possible. Albumin is produced in seventh week of intrauterine life and it can be measured by cord blood and in this study we can establish serum albumin with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and can be treated by phototherapy or exchange transfusion.

Material and method: The study consists of 55 randomly selected eligible term neonates delivered at Rajendra Institute of Medical sciences from March 2019 to August 2020.

Conclusion: In this study, in term neonates, level of serum albumin in umbilical cord less than 2.8 g/dl has no correlation with occurrence significant hyperbilirubinemia, so a level <2.8 gm/dl of serum albumin in umbilical cord blood can be used as critical value indicator in triaging predict the risk of occurring of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates.level >3.4 gm/dl is considered safe in neonates who are the candidates for early discharge in the absence of other risk factors.

Keywords: Hyperbilirubinemia; neonate; phototherapy.