Erum Rashid Chaudhry, Abdul Khaliq Naveed, Amena Rahim, Zunnera Rashid Chaudhry.
Decreased Cord Blood Albumin: a Predictor of Neonatal Jaundice.
J Islamic Int Med Coll Jan ;11(4):149-52.

Objective: To determine the significance of cord blood albumin estimation as a predictor of neonatal jaundice. Study Design:It was a prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Gynae/OBS department, neonatal intensive care unit and pathology laboratory at Railway Hospital Rawalpindi in collaboration with the Biochemistry Department of Islamic International Medical College from June 2015 to March 2016. Materials and Methods: Ninety full term neonates were divided into three groups based on their cord blood albumin concentration. Group I, with albumin less than 2.8 gm/dl, Group II with albumin between 2.8 ‐ 3.3 gm/dl and Group III greater than 3.3 gm/dl. Serum Bilirubin level more than 1mg/dl was taken as standard for all the groups. Follow up was done for those neonates who had albumin less than 3 gm / dl and bilirubin more than th th 1 mg/dl. The babies were followed up on 7 and 15 day for the appearance of jaundice. Depending upon the extent, and delayed recovery from jaundice they were followed up to 20th post delivery day. Results: It was found that all neonates of group I and II who had albumin levels less than 3.3gm/dl, developed jaundice. Out of these 16.75% from group I received phototherapy and only 3% needed exchange transfusion. Whereas 10% jaundice neonates from group II received phototherapy. Out of 30 neonates in group III, 60% neonates developed jaundice but none required phototherapy or exchange transfusion. Conclusion: It is concluded that low albumin levels in the cord blood taken after birth is a good predictors of neonatal jaundice.

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