Management of Hyperbilirubinemia
in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation
Clinical Practice Guideline American Academy of Pediatrics
BILIRUBIN ............................................
By-product of heme metabolism
Excreted through stool and urine Fat-soluble Hyperbilirubinemia
JAUNDICE ............................................
Yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera
Common in most newborn infants
Benign but has potential for bilirubin toxicity = KERNICTERUS
Risk factors Management
KEY ELEMENTS
1
Promote and support successful breastfeeding
Establish protocols in the the identification and evaluation of hyperbilirubinemia Measure the total serum bilirubin(TSB) or transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level on infants jaundiced within 24 hours
KEY ELEMENTS
4 Recognize that visual estimation of the degree of jaundice can lead to errors, particularly in darkly pigmented infants
5 Interpret all bilirubin levels in infant's age in hours 6
Recognize that infants at less than 38 weeks' particularly those who are breastfed, are at higher risk of developing hyperbilirubinemia
KEY ELEMENTS
7
Perform a systematic assessment on all infants before discharge for the risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia
Provide parents with a written and verbal information about newborn jaundice Provide appropriate follow-up based on time of discharge and the risk assessment
Risk factors for development of Severe Hyperbilirubinemia
............................................
Pre-discharge TSB in the high-risk zone Jaundice observed in the first 24 hours Blood group incompatibility Prematurity Cephalohematoma or significant bruising Exclusive breastfeeding East Asian race Previous sibling received phototherapy
Follow-up should be provided as follows: ............................................
Infant Discharged
Before age 24 hours Between 24 48 hours Between 48- 72 hours
Should be seen by age
72 hours 96 hours 120 hours
KEY ELEMENTS
10
Treat newborns, when indicated with phototherapy or exchange transfusion
SUMMARY
1
Promote and support successful breastfeeding
Perform a systematic assessment before discharge for the risk of hyperbilirubinemia
SUMMARY
3
Provide early and focused follow-up based on the risk assessment
Treat newborns with phototherapy or exchange transfusion when indicated
Thank you!
PRACTICAL TIPS
1 Cover BOTH eyes and genitals for
males. Cover only the eyes for females 2 Phototherapy must be at least 12 inches away from the chest 3 Turn at least 2 3 hours to expose the back and sides 4 Cepahlo-caudal progression 5 Remember bilirubin levels are interpreted in HOURS
ANSWERS
1. 35 or more weeks of gestation
............................................
2-3. 12 inches away from the infant's body; eyes and genital with protective covering 4. 72 hours 5-6. Bilirubin > 25 mg/ml; bilirubin levels not decreasing despite intensive phototherapy
7-10. RISK FACTORS for developing Severe Hyperbilirubinemia