Observational study of estimation and evaluation of cord serum albumin level as a risk indicator of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Introduction: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia is a common physical finding during the first week of life. Among 4% of term newborns who are readmitted to the hospital during their first week of life approximately 85% are for Jaundice as the cause. The option of predicting the future development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the best alternative to diagnose babies at risk and prevent the comorbidities.
Aims and Objectives: To study the relationship between various levels of cord serum albumin and development of significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Materials and Methods: Cord serum albumin level was estimated at birth in term babies without any co- morbity after obtaining informed consent from parent.Total serum bilirubin estimation was done at 72-96 hours of age. All the babies were followed up daily for first 4 postnatal days and assessed for development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Results: Among children with serum albumin level <2.8 g/dl (screen positive), 22.2% had significant hyperbilirubinemia. Among children with serum albumin > 2.8 g/dl (screen negative), this proportion was only 5.6%. The association between the albumin and total bilirubin was statistically significant with chi-square value 12.397 and P-value <0.001.
Conclusion: Early detection of babies who develop significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia helps in starting treatment early and thus preventing the consequences like kernicterus. Umbilical cord serum albumin level ≥3.4g/dl can be considered safe and such term babies can be discharged early.