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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Suggestions For Hyperbilirubinemia In Premature Baby?

Dear Doctor,

I have a 3 week old son -born pre-term by 4 weeks ( expected 29th Feb, born on 27th Jan). His birth weight was 2.85kg which went down to 2.4kg by 7th day.

He developed hyperbilirubinemia on the 3rd day and required 48 hours of phototherapy ( TC bilirubin was 15.4 on 3rd day and came down to 12.8 on 4th day evening) and then we came home.

However he turned yellow again on 8th day and bilirubin count went up to 19.4, So our peadiatrician asked us to admit him for additional phototherapy session . At the end of 2nd day of therapy, TC bilirubin came down to 9.8 and we can back home again (on 10th day).

Since then:

- He is feeding well and passing urne 6/8 times a day and passing yellow stools on alternate days

- He has gained some weight and now weighs about 2.9 Kgs

- His palm and soles are pinkish, but face, white of the eye and gums still have some yellow tinge



Questions:

Is this a cause of concern?

Do we need to repeat the bilirubin test?

Is his weight gain fair enough?

Any other suggestions?



Thanks for you advice
Tue, 21 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Hyperbilirubinemia is a very much common in all the children.
It is due to prematurity of the liver.It is even common in baby with regular dates born.Check for RH INCOMPATIBILITY and ABO INCOMPATIBILITY.
The pattern of onset ,day , severity,blood bilirubin levels are important.
Your baby is absolutely fine.
There is no need to get tense.
If you have any symptoms like vomiting ,dark coloured urine and stools, abdominal bloating, then you should consult physician.
Continue exposing the baby natural sun daily in the ear;y mornings.
Repeat the test after 1 month(if recommended).
About weight growth it is absolutely fine.
Initially in the first week there will be fluid dehydration and weight loss common.Now the baby is having good weight.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
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What Are The Suggestions For Hyperbilirubinemia In Premature Baby?

Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Hyperbilirubinemia is a very much common in all the children. It is due to prematurity of the liver.It is even common in baby with regular dates born.Check for RH INCOMPATIBILITY and ABO INCOMPATIBILITY. The pattern of onset ,day , severity,blood bilirubin levels are important. Your baby is absolutely fine. There is no need to get tense. If you have any symptoms like vomiting ,dark coloured urine and stools, abdominal bloating, then you should consult physician. Continue exposing the baby natural sun daily in the ear;y mornings. Repeat the test after 1 month(if recommended). About weight growth it is absolutely fine. Initially in the first week there will be fluid dehydration and weight loss common.Now the baby is having good weight. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.