Abstract
In an attempt to identify those infants at risk of developing conjugated hyperbillrnbinemia (CH), the ratio of hematocrit to total bilirubin concentration in cord blood at birth (H/B ratio) hat been examined in 67 infants with erythroblastosis fetalis. 22 developed CH and 45 made an uneventful recovery. Between these groups, there were no differences in birthweight, gestational age, peak total bilirubin level, and the number of extrauterine exchange transfusions. Statistically significant differences (P<.05) were demonstrated in cord total bilirubin concentration, delivery by cesarian section, time of peak bilirubin, intrauterine exchange transfusions and respiratory problems.
Of the 22 who developed CH, 73% had an H/B ratio of 5 or less. Although the mean H/B ratio of each group was not significantly different, 67% of those with an H/B ratio of 5 or less developed CH while only 22% with a ratio of 6 or more developed this complication (P<.01). Of those with an H/B ratio of 20 or less, 92% required extrauterine exchange transfusion while of those with a ratio of 21 or more only 18% required subsequent exchange.
The H/B ratio identifies those infants at highest risk of developing CH and requiring exchange transfusion. It permits the physician to introduce preventive measures early in the course of treatment or to study different modes of therapy in a high risk group.
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Hegyl, T., Polln, R., Drlscoll, J. et al. EARLY PREDICTION OF CONJUGATED HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA IN INFANTS WITH ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS. Pediatr Res 11, 534 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00987
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00987