English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Jaundice is most common problem faced by neonates in the first week of life. Although physiological jaundice is more frequent as compared to pathological jaundice it is very important to differentiate between the two as pathological jaundice may lead to kernicterus and subsequently brain damage. There are various modalities of investigations e.g. Serum bilirubin, Direct and indirect coomb's test, Blood group, G-6PD deficiency, reticulocyte count by which we can reach at diagnosis. Treatment is also dependent upon the amount of serum bilirubin and various other laboratory investigations. Thus laboratory workup is very important for diagnosis and prevention of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in newborn. With this background present study was conducted to study the clinico- pathological profile among infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. METHODOLOGY: A prospective study was carried out for the duration of 1 year in one of the teaching hospitals. RESULTS: Altogether 63 babies were enrolled in the study. Male babies out numbered the female (58.7% vs. 41.3%).Mean age of the study population was 2.97 days with standard deviation of 1.2 days. Percentage of Pre-term babies was 30.1. Neonates having low birth weight were 17(26.9%). Physiological jaundice constituted (40)62% cases of Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. ABO incompatibility was the commonest cause of pathological jaundice followed by septicemia. Statistically significant rise in the serum bilirubin was noted in pathological jaundice as compared to physiological jaundice. C-reactive protein (CRP) was found to be positive in all the cases of septicemia. Direct and indirect Coomb's test was positive in all the cases with Rh incompatibility. CONCLUSION: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is associated with various other clinical morbidities. Causes of hyperbilirubinemia should be investigated comprehensively. ABO and Rh typing should be done along with Coombs Test, reticulocyte count and G6PD screening.