Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A method to identify Term or Near Term Newborns

Abstract

Jaundice in the neonatal period is usually benign and resolved spontaneously. However, in case of intense jaundice, the newborn may be exposed to dangerous neurological complications. Aims: Describe the clinical characteristics of full-term and near-term newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia. Results: 32,439 newborns were born and 133 met the inclusion criteria with an incidence of severe jaundice of 4.1 per 1000 live births. Neurological signs on admission were present in 18.8% of newborns. Conclusion: The evolution towards early exits of maternity leads to a resurgence of neurological risk.