Bilirubin/Albumin Ratio for Predicting Acute Bilirubin-induced Neurologic Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the bilirubin albumin (B/A) ratio in comparison with total serum bilirubin (TSB) for predicting acute bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND). METHODS Fifty two term and near term neonates requiring phototherapy and exchange transfusion for severe hyperbilirubinemia in Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran, during September 2007 to September 2008, were evaluated. Serum albumin and bilirubin were measured at admission. All neonates were evaluated for acute BIND based on clinical findings. FINDINGS Acute BIND developed in 5 (3.8%) neonates. B/A ratio in patients with BIND was significantly higher than in patients without BIND (P<0.001). Receiver operation characteristics (ROC) analysis identified a TSB cut off value of 25 mg/dL [area under the curve (AUC) 0.945] with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85%. Also, according to the ROC curve, B/A ratio cut off value for predicting acute BIND was 8 (bil mg/al g) (AUC 0.957) with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94%. CONCLUSION Based on our results, we suggest using B/A ratio in conjunction with TSB. This can improve the specificity and prevent unnecessary invasive therapy such as exchange transfusion in icteric neonates.