hyperbilirubinemia

My child was treated for severe hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin 30+) with a BET; showed no neurological symptoms at the time and bilirubin came down quickly. Should he get an MRI? Is an MRI a normal follow up for such high bilirubin levels?

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

MRIs are not currently obtained routinely after double volume exchange transfusions.  There is insufficient data to know how to interpret MRI findings in this circumstance.  The more important evaluation can only be obtained with long-term follow up of you son's development.