A study of some risk factors of neonatal jaundice in the main health center in Kafr El Sheikh City, Egypt

Abstract

Background Neonatal jaundice (NJ) is a common disorder worldwide and one of the important contributors to the high neonatal morbidity and mortality. Severe NJ may lead to brain damage or even death. Identification of risk factors of NJ can be effective in reducing morbidity and mortality. Aim The aim was to determine the incidence of NJ and some risk factors associated with it in Kafr El Sheikh City, Egypt. Participants and methods This study was a cohort study carried out in the main central health center in Kafr El Sheikh City. Its target included 410 infants examined in the first days of their life during sessions of thyroid screening test. A predesigned questionnaire was the tool used. Results The study revealed that the incidence of NJ was 88%, where 81.7% of them were physiological and 6.3% were pathological. The reported significant maternal risk factors included age less than 20 years, diabetes, labor complications, primiparity, taking drugs for a long duration during pregnancy, and artificial lactation. Conclusion and recommendations The study revealed a high incidence of physiological NJ, whereas pathological one constituted 6.3%. Infants at risk of severe jaundice were associated with maternal and neonatal factors that can be effectively prevented with good antenatal, natal, and postnatal care. Early detection and management of NJ cases is mandatory.