Abstract
Hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hypoxemia, and acidosis may increase the risk of kernicterus at low serum bilirubin levels. When pH is lowered in vitro, no change in free bilirubin (UB) or in bilirubin binding affinity (Ka) can be detected (Nelson et al. Pediat. Res. 8:963, 1974). In 11 newborns with respiratory distress and acidosis in whom body temperature, oxygenation, and blood glucose were normal, we measured UB and Ka by peroxidase oxidation at a bilirubin:albumin molar ratio (B/A) of 0.8 before and after correction of acidosis with NaHCO3 and/or assisted ventilation. Serum albumin (3.3 vs. 3.1 gm%) and indirect bilirubin levels (2.3 vs. 2.8 mg%) were similar during acidosis and recovery. Results are as follows:
Ka of normal infants matched for gestational age is 2.0±0.2 × 108 M−1 in our laboratory. The data indicate a significant decrease in Ka associated with neonatal acidosis; correction of acidosis results in improvement of Ka and reduction in free bilirubin.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kozuki, K., Cashore, W., Widness, J. et al. INCREASE IN BILIRUBIN-ALBUMIN BINDING AFFINITY WITH CORRECTION OF NEONATAL ACIDOSIS. Pediatr Res 11, 536 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00997
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00997
