Risk Factors for Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a widespread and significant clinical condition among neonates worldwide. It occurs in about 80% of preterm neonates and approximately 60% of term neonates. It is one of the most common reasons for SNCU admissions.. The frequency of neonatal jaundice has been on an increase since the last decade.

Aim: To identify the risk factors that contributes to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among hospitalized neonates

Methods: This study was conducted in the Neonatology unit, Department of Pediatrics, in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & AVBR Hospital, Sawangi, Wardha. It was a case control Study. The Study participants were i) Cases: Neonates with jaundice (bilirubin level greater than 15 mg/dL), according to the recommendations of the AAP who required phototherapy or exchange transfusion and ii) Controls: Age and Sex matched neonates without clinical evidence of jaundice. The sample consists of 200 neonates (100 cases and 100 controls).

Results: The genders, gestational age, Apgar score, birth weight were comparable between the two groups. There was statistically significant relationship between hyperbilirubinemia and pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, premature rupture of membranes, and ABO incompatibility, breast feeding, neonatal infection and instrumental delivery

Conclusions: By identifying these risk factors, we may be able to modify them and reduce the need for NICU admissions for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.