Clinicoetiological Analysis of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Jaundice is the most common cause of neonatal admission in hospitals. If uncontrolled, severe hyperbilirubinemia can cause permanent neurological impairment called kernicterus. The aim of this study was to analyse the pattern, severity, causes, risk factors, treatment and outcome of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in our hospital thereby helping identify common preventable risk factors. Methodology: This was a prospective study conducted on jaundiced neonates with serum bilirubin greater than 5mg/dl admitted in PNC and NICU wards over a period of three months. Maternal, antenatal history was taken. Laboratory parameters included serum bilirubin, Hb, blood counts, Blood groups. Treatment modality and outcome was noted during the hospital stay. Results: Of the 102 cases, 23% were preterm babies, and 38 % had low birth weight. The commonest cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was physiological jaundice (42%) Pathological jaundice cases had significantly higher bilirubin (17.62� 6.11) than physiological jaundice cases (12.5� 3.08) with p value less than 0.001. Phototherapy was the commonest mode of treatment with good results.