Predictive value of the 24-hour bilirubin in the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia among…

Cohort studyPediatric research· Aug 2026

Predictive value of the 24-hour bilirubin in the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia among Filipino term (≥37 weeks gestational age) infants: a prospective multi-center study.

Philippine society of newborn medicine Bilistick study group

Public Health & General Preventive MedicineCohort studyDiagnosisQ1IF 3.1

24-hour bilirubin of 7.5 mg/dL or higher predicts later significant hyperbilirubinemia in Filipino infants

Predictive value of the 24-hour bilirubin in the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia among Filipino term (≥37 weeks gestational age) infants: a prospective multi-center study.

Philippine society of newborn medicine Bilistick study group

Pediatric research · Aug 2026

Background

Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common neonatal morbidity.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine an effective plasma bilirubin cut-off value at the 24 th hour of life (hour of life) in Filipino term infants, associated with the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia at the 72 nd hour of life.

Methods

A prospective multicentric cohort involving 21 medical centers nationwide recruited 2099 mother-infant dyads with 1688 completing the 72 nd hour of life follow-up.

n = 1688 mother-infant dyads

≥7.5 mg/dL

Results

≥7.5 mg/dL

flags infants likely to develop significant hyperbilirubinemia by 72 hours

n = 1688 mother-infant dyads

More results

Other significant risk factors include decreased urine and stool frequencies in the first 3 days as well as jaundice noted in the first 24 hours of life.

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Conclusion · 1 of 3

For Filipino infants, the 24 th hour of life bilirubin level of 7.5 mg/dL is a good cut-off level to predict subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

Pre-discharge bilirubin screening programs in the Philippines should consider the 24 th hour of life bilirubin as well as clinical risk factors to effectively identify at risk neonates.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

IMPACT: Significant hyperbilirubinemia is an important public health problem in the Philippines.