Alkaline phosphatase as an early marker of hemolysis in newborns

Background:  Early diagnosis and appropriate management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are very important in order to prevent bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus. Several diagnostic tests may be used for this purpose, including bilirubin level itself. The aim of the present study was to investi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatrics international 2011-12, Vol.53 (6), p.936-938
Main Authors: Nalbantolu, Aysin, Ovali, Fahri, Nalbantolu, Burçin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alkaline phosphatase
Alkaline Phosphatase - blood
Babies
Biomarkers - blood
Diagnostic tests
Early Diagnosis
Enzymes
Erythrocytes
Female
Hemoglobin
Hemolysis
Humans
hyperbilirubinemia
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal - diagnosis
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal - enzymology
Infant, Newborn
Male
Pediatrics
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Time Factors
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Summary:Background:  Early diagnosis and appropriate management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are very important in order to prevent bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus. Several diagnostic tests may be used for this purpose, including bilirubin level itself. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is an intracellular enzyme found abundantly in red blood cells, could be used for the early diagnosis and prediction of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Methods:  A total of 100 babies were evaluated, starting from the sixth hour after birth, and serum ALP and bilirubin levels were analyzed. Results:  ALP levels were significantly higher in babies requiring therapy such as phototherapy or exchange transfusion (247.01 ± 67.44 IU/L vs 154.25 ± 56.07 IU/L). ALP levels rose significantly with rising total bilirubin level. Conclusion:  ALP levels at the sixth hour of life may be a significant predictor of developing hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment.
ISSN:1328-8067
1442-200X
DOI:10.1111/j.1442-200X.2011.03491.x