Renal clearance of bilirubin conjugates in newborns of different gestational age.

The renal excretion of bilirubin conjugates was analysed in 22 newborns. Bilirubin monoconjugate was the only metabolite detectable in urine samples and its renal excretion correlated with the creatinine excretion rate (r = 0.91). The renal clearance of bilirubin monoconjugates in newborns ranged between 380 and 2160 ml/1.73 m2 per 24 h (median: 790). According to the present findings the renal function should be monitored in newborns and infants with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia.