Determining the relation between excessive neonatal weight loss and readmission due to hyperbilirubinemia

Background: The first week of postnatal life is characterized typically by weight loss in neonates, which occurs due to loss of ECF. When there is increased production of breast milk, the neonates begin to gain weight. Alteration in the weight trend can lead to potential complications. Inadequate oral intake causes weight loss and increases the bilirubin enterohepatic circulation. Objective: To determine association between Hyperbilirubinemia and Neonatal weight loss. Study design and study period: A prospective observational study from January 2021 to march 2022. Results: Eighty four neonates were enrolled during the study period of which 52 were males and 32 were females, 10 neonates were SGA, 70 were AGA. Thirty one neonates were born to primi mother and 53 neonates were born to multigravida mothers and 35 (41.7%) neonates discharged on exclusive breastfeeding, 49 (58.3%) on mixed feeding. Maximum weight loss occurred by day 6.Twenty nine neonates had weight loss ≥ 7%, 12neonates had weight loss ≥10%. 8 (9.5%) neonates were readmitted after birth hospitalization due to hyperbilirubinemia. The frequency of readmission for hyperbilirubinemia was significantly higher for neonates with excessive weight loss (75% vs. 25%). Conclusions: Greater than 10% weight loss may be considered as Excessive weight loss as there is more risk of neonatal jaundice and readmission. Excess weight loss could be a useful parameter for identification of neonates at risk for readmission due to Hyperbilirubinemia. It may be useful in settings where routine predischarge TSB is not yet implemented.