Outcome of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia managed with exchange transfusion
Paul, S.S.; Thomas, V.; Singh, D.
Indian Pediatrics 25(8): 765-769
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3220566 Document Number: 307924
A comparative follow-up study was conducted on 60 children treated for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with exchange transfusion. Group I comprised 30 outside-born cases referred to hospital for treatment of jaundice, while Group II had 30 hospital-born babies managed in the neonatal nursery. In Group I, 53% (16 cases) had pre-exchanged bilirubin levels above 25 mg/dl and 9 had evidence of kernicterus in the neonatal period of whom 4 were noted to have subsequent developmental retardation. Spastic cerebral palsy, choreoathetosis, hearing loss and yellow staining of teeth were also noted in this group. All children in Group II were normal on follow-up. The need for timely referral of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia is emphasised.