Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4164530 The Journal of Pediatrics 2016 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

ObjectivesTo estimate the incidence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Canada from 2011-2013 following the implementation of the Canadian Pediatric Society's published guidelines on the management of hyperbilirubinemia in 2007. Our previously reported incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in Canada was 1 in 2480.Study designTerm infants ≤60 days of age, with a peak serum total bilirubin level >425 μmol/L or who had an exchange transfusion were followed prospectively through the Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program from 2011-2013. Infants with rhesus isoimmunization or born <35 weeks gestation were excluded.ResultsNinety-one cases of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were confirmed. Sixty-nine infants (76%) were readmitted to hospital, 47 (52%) of them within 6 days of age. The remaining 22 infants (24%) were identified with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia before they were discharged from the hospital. The mean reported peak bilirubin level was 484 μmol/L (range 181-788; SD ± 92). An etiology was identified in 57 (63%) cases, with ABO incompatibility (n = 35) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (n = 11) being the most common. An infant was 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia from 2002-2004 compared with 2011-2013 (95% CI 2.72-4.47).ConclusionsThe minimum estimated incidence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Canada is 1 in 8352 live births. Introduction of the Canadian Pediatric Society guidelines and improved physician awareness of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the last 10 years likely made positive contributions to this trend.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Perinatology, Pediatrics and Child Health
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