Umbilical cord bilirubin levels as a predictor of subsequent hyperbilirubinemia.

Serum cord total bilirubin levels can define a subgroup of infants who are at a higher risk for developing significant hyperbilirubinemia and requiring phototherapy. Infants with cord bilirubin levels less than 2.0 mg/dL have only a 4 percent chance of developing hyperbilirubinemia and a 1.4 percent chance of needing phototherapy. However, if serum cord bilirubin levels are more than 2.0 mg/dL, the infant has a 25 percent chance of developing subsequent hyperbilirubinemia. With early discharge from the nursery a more common practice, this level can identify at an early age those infants who need closer follow-up.