English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Jaundice is the commonest abnormal physical finding in newborn babies. It is mostly due to physiological handicaps. Non-physiological hyperbilirubinemia is said to occur in 5-25% of the newborn babies. Any factor that further increases the bilirubin production is very likely to exacerbate neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to find the presence of physiological jaundice and the association of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with septicemia in neonatal period. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this study, 100 neonates were selected, who belonged to the age group of birth to one month of age. After selection of the cases, a detailed history and clinical examination was done. All types of investigations (Routine and specialized, where applicable) were carried out for the measurement of serum bilirubin. Finally an association was made between neonatal jaundice and physiological changes and septicemia in neonatal period. RESULTS: It was clear in our study that the most common association of neonatal jaundice was physiological changes in neonatal period. It was present in 22% of the cases. Septicemia was next major cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (18%). CONCLUSION: After analyzing 100 cases of neonatal jaundice, ranging from birth to one month of age, it was concluded that the most common cause of neonatal jaundice is physiological. Septicemia was ranked second. Pneumonia in the neonatal period was found to be most common underlying problem in septicemia.