Abstract

• Carboxyhemoglobin, Retiulocyte. Haemoglobin and Bilirubin levels measured in 50 conseutive normal term(n=30) and preterm(n=20) babies.
  Newborn of RBC incompatibility and severe jaundice of various etiologies were exluded.
  In normal newborn of signifiant correlation was found between the cord and third day values for carboxyhaemoglobin, bilirubin, retiulocyte, and haemoglobin levels(p<.005).
  Third day carboxyhemoglobin values were correlated to bilirubin levels(p<0.005).
  No significant difference was found between term and preterm babies and also third day and sixth day values.
  It was concluded that increased rates of haemolysis due to as yet unspecified cause play an important role in the non-specific hyperbilirubinemia of healthy newborns.