Dangers of Hyperbilirubinemia

In the April 1968 issue of Pediatrics, Drs. Weldon and Odell propose to deal with the question of the relative risks of hyperbilirubi nemia due to causes other than Rh incompati bility and the risks inherent in the procedure of exchange transfusions. Their short-term results are certainly impressive and they acknowledge the possibility of late sequellae such as portal vein hypertension and homologous serum jaundice. Once again the case for the low risk of care fully done exchange transfusions has been made; but, to quote the authors, "In the final analysis the risk of development of bilirubin encephalopathy must be weighed against the morbidity and mortality risks inherent in the procedure itself."