Percentage birth weight loss and hyperbilirubinemia during the first week of life in term newborns

Abstract

Background Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common problem in term newborns during the first week of life. Hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns without other risk factors is usually caused by dehydration and reduced calorie intake that is marked by excessive weight loss. Objective To determine the relationship between percentage birth weight loss and hyperbilirubinemia during the first week of life in term newborns. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Child Health, Medical School, Udayana University, Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia. The weight of term newborns was measured on the first, third, and seventh day after birth. In addition, a complete blood count, reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear, were carried out on the first day. Serum bilirubin level was measured on the first, third, and seventh day. Clinical signs, jaundice, type and frequency of intake, and time of meconium transit were followed during the stay in hospital. Linear regression, correlation, and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine variables related to hyperbilirubinemia. Results 68 newborns were enrolled in this study, with 7 developed hyperbilirubinemia by the third day. There was a significant (P<0.001) but weak to moderate correlation (r = 0.39) between percentage birth weight loss and total serum bilirubin concentration on the third day. Logistic regression analysis showed that percentage birth weight loss on the third day was significantly related to hyperbilirubinemia [OR 38.18 (95% CI 2.29 to 637.61), P=0.011]. Conclusion Percentage birth weight loss is related to hyperbilirubinemia in term newborn during the first week of life.

Keywords

• birth weight loss percentage
• hyperbilirubinemia
• term newborn