The Effect Of Hyperbilirubinemia On Emotion And Behavior In Newborn

Objective:. To evaluate the effects of hyperbilirubinemia on emotion and behavior in newborns.Methods:Fifty-three full-term hyperbilirubinemia newborns and thirty-eight full-term heathy newborns(non-hyperbilirubinemia) at the same age were examined by the Neonatal Behaviral-Neurological Assessment(NBNA),5 minutes eyeblinking test and sucking interrupt test.The hyperbilirubinemia newborns were divided into two groups, group1:total serum bilirubin adjusted for age or hrs>75th percentile was found in33 cases;group2:total serum bilirubin adjusted for age or hrs>95th percentile showed in 20 cases. When jaundice disappeared, the hyperbilirubinemia groups were retested by the NBNA, Eyeblinking and Sucking interrupt, and compared with the healthy newborns.Results:(1) The hypperbilirubinemia newborns showed lower NBNA scores,more difficult to be pacificated, and higher eyeblinking rate than the non-hyperbilirubinemia group((P<0.05)..(2) When the jaundice disappeared, the NBNA scores were improved,and theeyeblinking rate decreased in the hyperbilirubinemia groups than what they showed in the peak period(P<0.01).They also showed easier pacified behavior in the sucking interrupting test than they were in the peak time.(P<0.01).(3) After jaundice disappeared, there were no significant differences in the NBNA scores, behavior after sucking interruptation, andeyeblinking rates between the hyperbilirubinemia group I and the non-hyperbilirubinemia newborns. (P> 0.05).However, the NBNA scores,especiallythe primary reflex and general assessment were still obviously lower in the hyperbilirubinemia group 2 than that of the non-hyperbilirubinemia newborns (P<0.01).They still showed more difficult pacified behavior in the sucking interrupting test and higher spontoneous eyeblinking rate than the non-hyperbilirubinemia newborns(P<0.05).(4) When jaundice disappeared, the hyperbilirubinemia group 1 presented much better recovery in the NBNA, sucking interrupting test and spontaneous eyeblink test than the hyperbilirubinemia group 2. There were significant differences between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:Hyperbilirubinemia mayhave negative effects on emotion and behavior in newborns, which present blirubin induced neurologic dysfunction.