Background: Neonates with ABO hemolytic disease are at greater risk for developing significant hyperbilirubinemia. We aimed to determine whether sixth hour transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) could predict such a risk.
Methods: TcB measurements were obtained at the 6th hour of life in blood group A or B neonates born to blood group O, rhesus factor compatible mothers. Subsequent hyperbilirubinemia was monitored and considered significant if a neonate required phototherapy/exchange transfusion. The predictive role of sixth hour TcB was estimated.
Results: Of 144 ABO incompatible neonates, 41(OA, 24; O-B, 17) had significant hyperbilirubinemia. Mean sixth hour TcB was significantly higher among neonates who developed significant hyperbilirubinemia than those who did not (5.83±1.35 mg/dL vs. 3.65±0.96 mg/dL, P<0.001). Sixth hour TcB value >4 mg/dL had the highest sensitivity of 93.5% and >6 mg/dL had the highest specifi city of 99%. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.898.
Conclusion: Sixth hour TcB predicts subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia in ABO incompatible neonates.

Clinical effects of phototherapy combined with albumin administration on hyperbilirubinemia in newborns

Objective To investigate the effects of phototherapy combined with albumin administration on hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.Methods Totally 64 newborns with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were randomly divided into the control group and the study group,with 32 cases in each group.The newborns in control group received phototherapy and routine care,while those in study group were administrated with intravenous injection of albumin in addition to phototherapy and routine care.The concentration of total serum bilirubin,newborns'body weight and amount of milk intake were measured before and after phototherapy.Results There was a significant difference in the milk intake between two groups after phototherapy (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the body weight or total serum bilirubin level of newborns between two groups after phototherapy (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Combined application of phothotherapy and albumin administration on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia could promote the newborns' appetite and improve the recovery of the neonates,but the effect on reducing blood bilirubin level and weight gain needs further study.