Abstract

Ethnicity is an important factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This study explored total serum bilirubin levels in three ethnic groups of Chiapas, Mexico (Tzeltal, Chol and Mestizo groups). The aim of the study was to examine whether the level of total serum bilirubin is associated with any specific ethnic group. This study was conducted in 113 neonates of three different ethnic groups from Chiapas, México. Total serum bilirubin was not significantly higher in neonates of any of the three ethnic groups (p = 0.38). In addition, when we analyzed for differences between ethnic and mestizo groups, no significant differences were encountered (p = 0.20). Our results showed no significant differences in total serum bilirubin levels among three ethnic groups in a population sample from Chiapas, Mexico. However, more studies are necessary in which larger samples must be considered to determine conclusively this non association.

Key words: Bilirubin, neonates, jaundic