Susan E Wiedmeier1, Timothy M Bahr2, Robin K Ohls1, Thomas R Christensen3, Vickie L Baer4, Sarah J Ilstrup5, Kelly Cail6, Robert D Christensen1,4,7. 1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 2. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. tim.bahr@hsc.utah.edu. 3. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 4. Women and Newborns Research, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 5. Department of Pathology, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT, USA. 6. ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 7. Division Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to explore the hypothetical number of neonates where an exchange transfusion (ET) could be prevented by emergency administration of an inhibitor of bilirubin production. STUDY DESIGN: We identified all neonates who received an ET in our NICUs during the past 12 years. We reviewed the indications for ET and recorded the time between ordering and beginning the exchange. RESULTS: Forty-six neonates underwent ET, 37 (80.4%) for hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (36.9 ± 2.9 weeks gestation and 2.5 ± 2.1 days old at ET). The mean delay period was 7.5 ± 3.5 h. Nine (19.6%) had ET not involving bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS: A trial testing compounds that can inhibit bilirubin production would have about three eligible neonates/years in our system. Since our births are 1% of national, up to 300 neonates/years might qualify for such a study.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to explore the hypothetical number of neonates where an exchange transfusion (ET) could be prevented by emergency administration of an inhibitor of bilirubin production. STUDY DESIGN: We identified all neonates who received an ET in our NICUs during the past 12 years. We reviewed the indications for ET and recorded the time between ordering and beginning the exchange. RESULTS: Forty-six neonates underwent ET, 37 (80.4%) for hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (36.9 ± 2.9 weeks gestation and 2.5 ± 2.1 days old at ET). The mean delay period was 7.5 ± 3.5 h. Nine (19.6%) had ET not involving bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS: A trial testing compounds that can inhibit bilirubin production would have about three eligible neonates/years in our system. Since our births are 1% of national, up to 300 neonates/years might qualify for such a study.