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Hyperbilirubinemia in African American neonates: clinical issues and current challenges

2009; Elsevier BV; Volume: 15; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.siny.2009.11.001

1878-0946

Jon F. Watchko,

Heme Oxygenase-1 and Carbon Monoxide

African American neonates evidence a low incidence of hyperbilirubinemia yet account for more than 25% of the reported kernicterus cases in the USA. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency accounts for approximately 60%, and late preterm gestation and ABO hemolytic disease approximately 40% of these cases. Females heterozygous for G6PD A- harbor a population of G6PD-deficient red blood cells and are at risk for hyperbilirubinemia. Pre-discharge bilirubin measurement coupled with gestational age enhances the identification of neonates at hyperbilirubinemia risk. Parental education at the time of birth hospitalization discharge combined with timely follow-up may help to reduce the risk of developing hazardous hyperbilirubinemia.