Abstract

PERAZZINI FACCHINI, Fernando et al. Follow up of neonatal jaundice in term and late premature newborns. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2009, vol.48, n.2, pp.123-129. ISSN 1024-0675.

Objective: To report on the results of a project fo llowing term and near term newborn infants who were jaundiced during the neonatal period. Methods: Neonates were referred to the follow up clinic with weight ≥ 2,000 g and/or gestational age ≥ 35 weeks, and jaundice at discharge was initially assessed with an Ingram icterometer or Bilicheck® and, if indicated, with a Unistat bilirubinometer (Leica). These newborn infants had bilirubinemia at or above the 40th percentile on the nomogram developed by Bhutani. All infants treated with phototherapy while in hospital were reassessed by laboratory methods 24 hours after withdrawal of treatment. Patients were rehospitalized for intensive phototherapy if their level was greater than or equal to 20 mg/dL. Results: From a total sample of 11,259 neonates, 2,452 (21.8%) were referred to the follow up clinic, 87.2% (2,140) of whom did return. Eighty returned neonates were readmitted. Return appointments were set for 2,452 patients, 180 (7.3%) of whom had bilirubinemia ≥ 15 mg/dL at discharge. Of these 180,151 returned for follow up. Twenty (13.2%) were readmitted for treatment. Of the total number of readmitted patients, two newborn infants had levels ≥ 25 mg/dL and none ≥ 30 mg/dL. All responded rapidly to intensive phototherapy, and there was no need for exchange transfusions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the regime adopted is effective for detecting and preventing hyperbilirubinemia at risk of causing bilirubininduced ence phalopathy in term and near term newborn infants.

Keywords : Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia/prevention and control; kernicterus/ prevention; phototherapy/utilization.

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