Differences in transcutaneous bilirubin readings in Japanese term infants according to feeding method.
BACKGROUND
Controversy has existed for many years over whether infant feeding methods are related to serum bilirubin concentrations during the first few days of life. Differences in initial jaundice patterns according to the feeding method until 72 h after birth have not been elucidated hitherto. The difference may become clear in Japanese neonates because jaundice shows a much higher peak bilirubin concentration and a later peak in Japanese neonates than in Caucasian neonates.


METHODS
In the present study, we investigated variations in the transcutaneous bilirubin reading (TcB) obtained within 72 h after birth among 177 breast-fed and 494 formula-fed healthy Japanese term neonates.


RESULTS
There was no difference between TcB in formula-fed and breast-fed infants until the first 30 h, after which time the rate of increase in TcB was lower in formula-fed infants. Among breast-fed neonates, a good linear regression between time after birth and TcB was maintained. Similarly, weight losses in breast-fed infants at 24-48 h and 48-72 h after birth were greater than those in formula-fed infants.


CONCLUSIONS
The jaundice pattern in Japanese neonates from 30 to 72 h after birth according to the feeding method was different from that in Caucasian neonates.
Itoh
S
S
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, Kagawa Medical University, Japan. sitoh@kms.ac.jp
Kondo
M
M
Kusaka
T
T
Isobe
K
K
Onishi
S
S
D044466:Asian People; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D044465:White People
D001663:Bilirubin