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Am J Perinatol 2003; 20(8): 415-424
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-45385
REVIEW ARTICLE

Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Hyperbilirubinemia in the 2000s: What Should We Do Next?

Gail Ross
  • Department of Pediatrics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 January 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Changes in healthcare policy mandating early discharge of healthy, full-term infants and the higher prevalence of breast-feeding of newborns have contributed to an increased number of term infants being readmitted to the hospital for hyperbilirubinemia. At high levels, total serum bilirubin causes kernicterus, which is associated with severe neurological sequelae. This article provides a review of prior studies that have examined whether and at what levels total serum bilirubin affects neurodevelopmental outcome in term infants. In addition, the article reviews some approaches in the literature that suggest means of preventing high levels of hyperbilirubinemia in term infants.

KEYWORDS

Hyperbilirubinemia - kernicterus - total serum bilirubin - neurodevelopmental outcome

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