RT Journal
A1 Leibson C, Brown M, Thibodeau S, et al
T1 NEonatal hyperbilirubinemia at high altitude
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1989
FD August 1
VO 143
IS 8
SP 983
OP 987
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150200145036
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150200145036
AB • A previous retrospective study showed an increased frequency of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia at high altitude in Colorado. In a prospective study we found that 39% of newborns at 3100m altitude vs 16% at 1600 m exhibited hyperbilirubinemia, defined as a day 3 serum bilirubin level of 205 μmol/L or higher. Increased bilirubin production at 3100 m vs 1600 m was shown by increased levels of corrected carboxyhemoglobin. This finding was supported by increased erythropoietin and bilirubin values in cord blood and increased hematocrit values at day 3 among infants at 3100 m vs 1600 m. The sustained elevation in bilirubin for breastfed vs formula-fed infants at 1600 m was observed for both feeding types at 3100 m. The findings suggested that there is a hematologic response to decreased oxygen availability at high altitude, resulting in increased bilirubin production accompanied by delayed bilirubin clearance.(AJDC. 1989;143:983-987)