Can Phototherapy Requirements Be Predicted through Cord Blood Test Results in Newborns?

Objective: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common problems in newborns. If not diagnosed and treated in time, high bilirubin levels can cause kernicterus and permanent brain damage. Therefore, early detection of hyperbilirubinemia development risk in newborns is important. Our aim is to determine whether the cord blood bilirubin level and the direct coombs test can be used as determinant parameters in order to predict babies with a high risk of developing hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment. Material and Method: During the process of creating a hyperbilirubinemia follow-up protocol at Ordu University Training and Research Hospital, 300 babies born between January -June 2014with a birth weight ≥ 2500 g and gestational week ≥ 37 weeks were included in the study. The results of the cord blood bilirubin in of these babies, direct coombs test, maternal and infant blood groups and serum bilirubin levels of those who were hospitalized for phototherapy treatment within the first 24 hours were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Phototherapy was given to 35 of 300 (11.7%) newborns included in the study within the first 24 hours after birth. Direct coombs test was positive in 25 of them (8.3%). Phototherapy was given to 80% (n: 20) of the cases whose direct coombs test was positive. ABO incompatibility was found in the etiology of 51.5% of the cases with hyperbilirubinemia. It has been observed that patients with positive direct coombs test have a high rate of hospitalization (p<0.001). Cord blood bilirubin levels were found to be statistically higher in cases who received phototherapy (2.7±1.0 and 1.8±0.6, respectively, p<0.01). In determining the need for phototherapy, sensitivity was 77.1%, specificity was 77.0%, and negative predictive value was 96% for the cut off value of 2.0 mg/dl of cord blood bilirubin. Conclusion: Cord blood bilirubin level and direct coombs test are useful in predicting the possibility of pathological hyperbilirubinemia and hospitalization in newborns. Thus, detection of risky newborns with a noninvasive method within a few hours after birth will prevent early discharge and provide close follow-up and early treatment.