Effects of Hyperbilirubinemia on Hepatic Parameters, Electrolyte Level and Oxidant-Antioxidant Status of Neonates

The present study reports the consequences of hyperbilirubinemia on neonatal health at an early age. The study included a control group (n=10) and a study group consisting of hyperbilirubinemia neonates (n=24) subdivided into four groups (n=6/group) based on age (5, 10, 15, and 20 days). The sera obtained from the participant’s blood samples were analyzed for hepatic biomarkers, electrolyte level, and oxidant-antioxidant status. The age-dependent variations in the studied parameters were analyzed by regression analysis.Hyperbilirubinemia significantly (p<0.05) affected the serum bilirubin level and antioxidant potential of the neonates. However, the liver function enzymes and serum electrolytes remained unaffected. The hyperbilirubinemia neonates showed an agedependent variation in free radical scavenging capacity, metal chelating activity, linoleic acid reduction capacity, and total antioxidant activity that were linearly correlated with the serum bilirubin level of the neonates. The study would provide useful information regarding the consequences of hyperbilirubinemia on neonatal health.