A PROGNOSTIC STUDY TO THE CORRELATION BETWEEN CORD BLOOD BILIRUBIN VALUES AND JAUNDICE IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY FULL-TERM NEONATES

Enas Hasan*

ABSTRACT

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a commonplace situation in newborns, with prevalence rates of about 60% in full-term and 80% in preterm infants. If left untreated, excessive unconjugated bilirubin can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to Kernicterus. Predictive measures include cord blood bilirubin (CBB), transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB), and routine serum tests. CBB is a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive method. Aim: To assess the relationship between CBB ranges and the development of hyperbilirubinemia in healthy full-term neonates. Methods: A prospective study involving 53 full-term healthy neonates was conducted from March 2024 to March 2025. CBB was measured at birth, and serum bilirubin was recorded on day three. Results: Among participants (66% male, 34% female), a significant correlation was found between birth weight and CBB levels with hyperbilirubinemia development on day three (P = 0.004 and P = 0.0001). Notably, CBB levels >2.05 mg/dL had been related toa higher risk of hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: A positive correlation exists among twine blood bilirubin degrees and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. A cutoff of 2.05 mg/dL may predict its occurrence. Neonates with lower birth weight are at higher risk. Measuring CBB is a safe, cost-effective, and non-invasive screening tool that can help guide early discharge decisions and prevent complications.

Keywords: Cord blood bilirubin; hyperbilirubinemia; neonates; physiological jaundice.