Kernicterus in term newborns after outpatient delivery: A report of two cases

We describe two term infants who developed severe jaundice with kernicterus due to hemolytic disease (anti-B and anti-c, respectively) after outpatien t delivery. The total serum bilirubin levels were 38 and 39 mg/dL, respecti vely. The infants developed permanent deafness (bilateral hearing threshold above 80 dB). The diagnosis was delayed because a finding of anti-c antibo dy was not recorded in the maternity pass and because a direct Coombs test was negative. Short hospital stays after delivery may increase the risk of missing severe hemolytic disease of the newborn, particularly if pediatric follow-up after discharge is not guaranteed.