Association between Hematocrit and Cranial MRI Abnormalities in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Background: The association between hematocrit (HCT) and cranial MRI abnormalities continues to be a topic of controversy. At present, the available evidence regarding the relationship between HCT and cranial MRI abnormalities is inadequate. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the relationship between HCT and cranial MRI abnormalities in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 410 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Neonatal blood parameters, maternal prenatal data, and cranial MRI findings were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Logistic regression and smooth curve fitting were used to analyze the associations. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate logisticregression analysis showed that each 1% increase in HCT is associated with a 6% higher in the risk of cranialMRI abnormalities. Further exploratory subgroup analyses based on sex and mode of delivery revealed no significant interactions between these subgroups (all P for interaction > 0.05). Conclusions: Among NHB, higher HCT was significantly associated with higher risk of incident cranial MRI abnormalities. These findings suggest that HCT may serve as a potential risk factor for cranial MRI abnormalities and could be a relevant biomarker.