Abstract

Serum bilirubin levels of 93 neonates aged between 0 and 14 days were estimated. The bilirubin levels were determined spectrophotometrically at 570 nm (Direct) and 540 nm (Total) at the pediatric unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria using continuous sampling techniques. It was established that the number of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia decreased with age.  The mean concentration of direct, indirect and total bilirubin of jaundiced neonates were significantly elevated (p<0.05) as compared to healthy neonates. There was, however, no significant different (p>0.05) in bilirubin levels between the age groups tested in this study. Neonatal Jaundice is a serious health problem concern with prolonged case that could be of grave or even fatal consequences. It is therefore pertinent from the result shown in this study that, close monitoring of bilirubin levels is essential during early infancy.

Key words: Bilirubin, neonates, jaundice, incidence age.