ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Post-phototherapy neonatal bilirubin rebound: a potential cause of significant hyperbilirubinaemia

M Kaplan¹, E Kaplan, C Hammerman¹, N Algur², R Bromiker¹, M S Schimmel¹, A I Eidelman¹

¹ Department of Neonatology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
² Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

Correspondence to:
Dr M Kaplan
Department of Neonatology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, PO Box 3235, Jerusalem 91031, Israel; kaplan{at}cc.huji.ac.il

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 µmol/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) µmol/l, upper range 351 µmol/l). Twenty two of these (73%) were retreated with phototherapy at mean PTB 296 (29) µmol/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.

Abbreviations: AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; G-6-PD, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; PTB, plasma total bilirubin

Keywords: bilirubin; rebound; phototherapy; Coombs positivity; prematurity

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