Korean J Pediatr.  2007 Sep;50(9):848-854. 10.3345/kjp.2007.50.9.848.

Usefulness of auditory brainstem response as early predictor of kernicterus in early breast-feeding jaundice

• Jang JW
• Lee GS
• Song DK
• Kim SH
• Kim WD
• Lee SG

• KMID: 2140813
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2007.50.9.848

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study examined the etiology and risk factors of the early breast-feeding jaundice and the usefulness of auditory brainstem response test as early predictor of kernicterus.
METHODS
Medical records of neonatal jaundice in newborn admitted to Daegu Fatima Hospital between September 2005 and May 2006 were analyzed prospectively. Infants were grouped according to feeding method:breast feeding group (breast feeding only, n=23), mixed feeding group (breast feeding mainly plus addition of fomula feeding, n=13).
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, sex, duration of phototherapy, serum bilirubin and hemolytic evidence between the two study groups. First visiting day of life at out patient department was significantly delayed in breast feeding group (8.7+/-3.6 day) compared to mixed feeding group (6.0+/-1.9) (P=0.009). Weight loss was significantly severe in breast feeding group compared to mixed feeding group (P<0.05). In auditory brainstem response test, loss of Wave V in 3 cases was observed and recoverd after blood exchange transfusion in follow up test. Wave III latency had significant correlation to serum bilirubin in auditory brainstem response test (70 dB) (P=0.002).
CONCLUSION
Our study suggest that further education about breast feeding and follow up within the first postnatal week would be necessary for early detection and prevention of early breast-feeding jaundice. Test of serum bilirubin and auditory brainstem response would be helpful in determination of blood exchange transfusion.

Keyword

Early; Breast feeding; Jaundice

MeSH Terms

Bilirubin
Birth Weight
Breast Feeding
Daegu
Education
Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem*
Follow-Up Studies
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Jaundice*
Jaundice, Neonatal
Kernicterus*
Medical Records
Phototherapy
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Weight Loss
Bilirubin