Reliability of Total Bilirubin Measurements in Whole Blood from Preterm Neonates Using a Blood Gas Analyzer.

Background: Blood gas analyses are usually required more frequently in preterm neonates than in term neonates. If total bilirubin (TB) levels in whole blood measured using a blood gas analyzer are reliable, blood sampling for total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels alone can be reduced in preterm neonates. We investigated the reliability of measuring TB levels in whole blood from preterm neonates using the latest generation blood gas analyzer.

Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement during phototherapy in term neonates.

Background: We tested whether direct transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement from an area unexposed to phototherapy is reliable for estimation of total serum bilirubin (TSB) in neonates during phototherapy and whether it contributes to reduction in TSB blood sampling in phototherapy decision making.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of term neonates who received phototherapy in the mother's room. TSB and TcB from the neonate's sternum were measured before and during phototherapy and compared using linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman plot, respectively.

Current incidence of clinical kernicterus in preterm infants in Japan.

Clinical kernicterus in preterm infants has recently been reported in Japan, diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings during the neonatal and infancy periods. We investigated the incidence of clinical kernicterus in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) based on a nationwide survey conducted in 233 certified educational facilities for neonatologists. The numbers of infants admitted and infants who died within 14 days after birth during 2011, and the number of infants who subsequently developed clinical kernicterus, were recorded.

High-dose calcium reduces early-onset hyperkalemia in extremely preterm neonates.

Background: Early-onset hyperkalemia often occurs in extremely preterm infants during a few days after birth. While there are several treatments for hyperkalemia, calcium infusion to reduce plasma potassium concentrations remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a high dosage of calcium reduces early-onset hyperkalemia.

The significance of measurement of serum unbound bilirubin concentrations in high-risk infants.

Background: In the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, total bilirubin (TB) concentration is not specific enough to predict the brain damage caused by bilirubin toxicity. Unbound bilirubin (UB) easily passes the blood-brain barrier and causes neurotoxicity. We aimed to evaluate whether serum UB concentration would be a useful predictor of bilirubin encephalopathy in high-risk infants.