No abstract

AMA, especially primiparous, has more adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes than younger women; however, these did not include mortality. Consistent antenatal care may explain this.

Despite efforts to eliminate permanent and irreversible brain damage due to bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, these conditions continue to accompany us into the third millennium. This phenomenon occurs not only in developing countries with emerging medical systems, but in Westernized countries as well. Comprehensive guidelines to detect newborns with jaundice and treat those in whom hyperbilirubinemia has already developed have been formulated in several countries, but have not been successful in completely eliminating the problem. In this appraisal of the situation we review selected aspects of bilirubin encephalopathy and/or kernicterus. We highlight recent reports of severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus, discuss some of the factors responsible for the continuing appearance of these conditions, and briefly review what can be done to decrease bilirubin-related morbidity and mortality to the minimum.

Aim: To determine the incidence of post-phototherapy neonatal plasma total bilirubin (PTB) rebound. Methods: A prospective clinical survey was performed on 226 term and near-term neonates treated with phototherapy in the well baby nursery of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center from January 2001 to September 2002. Neonates were tested for PTB 24 hours (between 12 and 36 hours) after discontinuation of phototherapy, with additional testing as clinically indicated. The main outcome measure, significant bilirubin rebound, was defined as a post-phototherapy PTB >256 mmol/l. Phototherapy was not reinstituted in all cases of rebound, but rather according to clinical indications. Results: A total of 30 (13.3%) neonates developed significant rebound (mean (SD) PTB 287 (27) mmol/l, upper range 351 mmol/l). Twenty two of these (73%) were retreated with phototherapy at mean PTB 296 (29) mmol/l. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant risk for aetiological risk factors including positive direct Coombs test (odds ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.74) and gestational age ,37 weeks (odds ratio 3.21, 95% CI 1.29 to 7.96). A greater number of neonates rebounded among those in whom phototherapy was commenced (72 hours (26/152, 17%) compared with .72 hours (4/74, 5.4%) (odds ratio 3.61, 95% CI 1.21 to 10.77). Conclusion: Post-phototherapy neonatal bilirubin rebound to clinically significant levels may occur, especially in cases of prematurity, direct Coombs test positivity, and those treated (72 hours. These risk factors should be taken into account when planning post-phototherapy follow up.