Evaluation of Cord Blood Albumin and Cord Blood Bilirubin in Prediction of Neonatal Jaundice
Author(s): Rojalin Rout, Jatadhari Mahar, Rasmita Sahoo, Leena Das
Background: The common physiological problem diagnosed in newborns is hyperbilirubinemia. Severe hyperbilirubinemia requires admission to the hospital after discharging the mother and newborn after delivery. By determining the risk factors of development of jaundice healthcare professionals can design a plan for treatment which can give effective outcomes.
Method: This was a hospital based prospective study. The study consisted of 310 newborns delivered recently at the hospital. Demography and other necessary details were recorded from mother by interviewing. Age of gestation was determined, serum bilirubin and albumin was determined at birth from the cord. The serum bilirubin level was determined at the 4th day after birth. Newborns in the study were followed up for the 4 days from birth.
Results: Among the 310 there were 36 newborns who developed jaundice. 34 out of 36 developed jaundice with cord blood albumin less than 2.8 i.e. 94.4%. 32 out of 36 who developed jaundice had bilirubin levels more than 2, which was 88.8%. there is significant association of the levels of bilirubin and albumin with the development of jaundice.
Conclusion: From this study, albumin of less than 2.8g/dl had significant association with the occurrence of jaundice in neonates. Also cord blood bilirubin > or = 2mg/dl has a significant correlation with development of hyperbilirubinemia requiring intervention. So, cord blood albumin and cord blood bilirubin can predict the vulnerability towards the occurrence of jaundice.