Correlation between Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia and Serum Magnesium and Copper Levels in Dhaka City

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a condition when a newborn has an excessive amount of bilirubin in the blood and is one of the most prevalent problems in neonates. Many studies reported that copper and magnesium play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the correlation between the level of magnesium and copper with hyperbilirubinemia.

Methodology: Serum bilirubin was assayed with colorimetric method by the use of diazotized sulfanilic acid reaction. A photometric automated method was used to determine the levels of magnesium and copper in the serum of neonates in both controls group (162) and cases group (220).

Results: In the present study a significantly higher levels of Mg was found in hyperbilirubinemia of newborn infants when compared with control groups (23.67 ±2.33 mg/L versus 19.74 ±2.18 mg/L respectively and p value <0.001 which was significant) and correlation between hyperbilirubinemia and magnesium also significant (p value <0.001). Copper levels was significantly higher in hyperbilirubinemia of newborn infants (0.74 ±0.08 mg/L) compared with control groups (0.41 ±0.12 mg/L), where p value was <0.001, which was significant and correlation between hyperbilirubinemia and copper also significant (p value <0.001).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that current study showed the concentrations of magnesium and copper levels were found to be significantly greater than control groups and may have a correlation with neonatal jaundice.