The Effects on Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia of Parenteral Administration of Valium to Women in Labour

Abstract

Following intramuscular administration of Valium® Roche to the mother during labour, the concentration of sodium benzoate (included in the solvent of Valium) was measured in the cord-blood of 8 newborn infants. After administration of therapeutic doses of Valium to the mother, it was found that sodium benzoate—which displaces bilirubin from albumin in vitro—was present in the cord blood in concentrations insufficient to cause clinically important displacement of bilirubin from albumin. Benzoate analyses were carried out using high-pressure liquid chromatography.