[The effect of hyperbilirubinemia and phototherapy on the behavior organization of newborn infants].

Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common problem experienced by neonates and has to be treated with phototherapy. The effects of hyperbilirubinemia and/or phototherapy on the behavior of neonates is investigated in this study by means of Brazelton Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale. 21 jaundiced infants who received phototherapy (serum bilirubin above 25 mumol/l) are compared with 36 mildly jaundiced infants (150-250 mumol/l) and 35 control infants without any clinical sign of hyperbilirubinemia. The results shows the impact of hyperbilirubinemia on motor performance and the additional impact of phototherapy on autonomic regulation of neonates. The jaundiced infants shows some compensatory effects in their impaired behavior within the first two weeks.