The effect of hyperbilirubinemia on motor repertoire of infants between 3 and 5 months of age

Abstract

Jaundice is a common problem and occurs as a result of the increase in bilirubin level in infants. Infants may be adversely affected by this situation. The aim of this study is to determine whether neonatal jaundice affects the movements and postures of 3- to 5-month-old infants with hyperbilirubinemia and the correlation of motor repertoire at the same age with bilirubin levels. The study group included 30 infants (9 girls, 21 boys) with hyperbilirubinemia and a control group of 30 infants (11 girls, 19 boys) with typical development without hyperbilirubinemia. The motor repertoires of the infants were evaluated through detailed general movement (GM) analysis using video recordings made at 9-17 weeks post-term. The infants with hyperbilirubinemia had lower motor optimality score and subcategory scores (including observed movement patterns, age-adequate movement repertoire, observed postural patterns, and movement character) compared with the control group. The fidgety movement scores decreased as bilirubin value increased in infants.Conclusion: Infants with hyperbilirubinemia had poorer motor repertoire when compared to a control group. For this reason, detailed GM analysis of these infants will predict probable neurodevelopmental problems and infants with needs can begin individualized early intervention suitable for movement repertoire and posture at the earliest time. What is Known: • GMs of infants with hyperbilirubinemia were previously described. • However, the motor repertoires of infants with hyperbilirubinemia were not described in detail. What is New: • Infants with hyperbilirubinemia had poorer motor repertoire when compared to peers. • This is important in determining the need for individualized early intervention.