Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia Assessment

Bhutani Nomogram-Based Risk & Management Tool

Enter the newborn's age, total serum bilirubin, gestational age, and risk factors to assess hyperbilirubinemia risk and receive clinical recommendations.

Example Cases

See how the calculator works with real-world scenarios.

Case 1: Low Risk, Term Infant

Case

A 40-hour-old, 39-week, 3200g male with no risk factors and a bilirubin of 7.2 mg/dL.

Newborn Age (hours): 40

Total Serum Bilirubin (mg/dL): 7.2

Gestational Age (weeks): 39

Birth Weight (grams): 3200

Sex: Male

Risk Factors: None

Case 2: Intermediate Risk, Prematurity

Case

A 60-hour-old, 36-week, 2800g female with prematurity and a bilirubin of 11.5 mg/dL.

Newborn Age (hours): 60

Total Serum Bilirubin (mg/dL): 11.5

Gestational Age (weeks): 36

Birth Weight (grams): 2800

Sex: Female

Risk Factors: Prematurity (< 38 weeks)

Case 3: High Risk, Hemolysis

Case

A 24-hour-old, 38-week, 3400g male with hemolysis and a bilirubin of 15.8 mg/dL.

Newborn Age (hours): 24

Total Serum Bilirubin (mg/dL): 15.8

Gestational Age (weeks): 38

Birth Weight (grams): 3400

Sex: Male

Risk Factors: Hemolysis (e.g. ABO/Rh incompatibility)

Case 4: Intermediate Risk, Breastfeeding Difficulty

Case

A 72-hour-old, 40-week, 3600g female with breastfeeding difficulty and a bilirubin of 13.0 mg/dL.

Newborn Age (hours): 72

Total Serum Bilirubin (mg/dL): 13

Gestational Age (weeks): 40

Birth Weight (grams): 3600

Sex: Female

Risk Factors: Exclusive breastfeeding with difficulties

Other Titles
Understanding Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia Assessment: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know about neonatal jaundice risk evaluation.

What is Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia?

  • Definition and Causes
  • Types of Jaundice
  • Clinical Significance
Newborn hyperbilirubinemia refers to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood of newborns, leading to jaundice. It is a common condition, often benign, but can be dangerous if not monitored and managed appropriately.
Types of Jaundice

Common Types of Jaundice

  • Physiological jaundice in term infants
  • Hemolytic jaundice due to blood group incompatibility

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Input Data Accurately
  • Interpret the Results
  • Clinical Decision Making
To use the calculator, enter the newborn's age in hours, total serum bilirubin, gestational age, and any risk factors. The tool will provide a risk category and clinical recommendation based on the Bhutani nomogram.
How to Enter Data

Sample Data Entries

  • Entering 48 hours, 10 mg/dL bilirubin, 38 weeks, no risk factors
  • Entering 24 hours, 15 mg/dL bilirubin, 36 weeks, hemolysis

Real-World Applications of the Calculator

  • Clinical Practice
  • Parental Guidance
  • Research and Education
This calculator is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and by pediatricians to assess jaundice risk, guide phototherapy decisions, and educate parents about newborn health.
Clinical and Educational Uses

Practical Use Cases

  • Hospital screening for jaundice
  • Guiding phototherapy initiation

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Misreading Nomogram
  • Ignoring Risk Factors
  • Overtreatment or Undertreatment
A common error is to use age or bilirubin alone without considering risk factors or gestational age. The calculator integrates all relevant data for accurate risk assessment.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Misconception Examples

  • Assuming all jaundice is benign
  • Starting phototherapy without risk assessment

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Bhutani Nomogram Percentiles
  • Risk Category Calculation
  • Clinical Recommendation Logic
The calculator uses the Bhutani nomogram to determine the percentile of bilirubin for the newborn's age. Risk categories are assigned based on percentile thresholds and risk factors, guiding clinical recommendations.
Calculation Example

Calculation Scenarios

  • A 36-hour-old with 12 mg/dL bilirubin at 90th percentile: Intermediate risk
  • A 24-hour-old with 16 mg/dL bilirubin at 98th percentile: High risk