Incidence of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemea in Term New Borns at KBNTGH

Abstract

AIM AND SCOPE:We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in term new born with birth weight >2.5 kgs born at neonatal care unit of KBNTGH, and to determine the underlying causes, which would be of value in identifying and implementing strategies to prevent morbidity from this condition. BACKGROUND: Management of hyperbilirubinemia remains a challenge for neonatal medicine because of the risk for serious neurological complications related to the toxicity of bilirubin. MATERIALS AND METHODS:From January 2014 to January 2015, we screened 525 newborns born at KBNTGH (Khaja Bandanawaz Teaching & General Hospital attached to Khaja Bandanawaz Institute of Medical Sciences)with complaints of yellowish discoloration of skin were screened for jaundice. Infants aged 3-5 days and with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were included for assessment if they had a peak serum total bilirubin level exceeding 10 mg/dl. Sex, birth weight, gestational age, breast feeding, type of birth, presence of facial bruising (Including cephalohematoma) and ABO group were noted. Patients with Toxoplasma or Cytomegalovirus infection, hepatic insufficiency, or suspected drug-induced hyperbilirubinemia were excluded from more detailed analysis. RESULTS: Our year-long nursery sample examined otherwise healthy-appearing term infants with birth weigth>2.5kgs for the prevalence of hyperbilirubinemia (Defined as bilirubin levels exceeding 6 mg/dL [11mol/L]). We found hyperbilirubinemia in 19% (100/525). Among the patients with hyperbilirubinemia, 1.2% had peak levels of bilirubin 20 mg/dL, levels which are generally considered to be potentially neurotoxic. CONCLUSIONS: In our clinic experience, hyperbilirubinemia was generally a serious medical issue and one whose etiology can usually be well defined.