Maternal and Child factors associated with Neonatal jaundice influencing the outcome of Phototherapy in Karimnagar district

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice became a pediatric emergency in all the populations. Though it was usually managed by phototherapy consideration of its maternal and child causes was a better choice for its prevention, Objectives: 1) To know the maternal and child factors associated with the occurrence of Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) and their influence regarding the outcome of phototherapy. Methods: Records of 65 children suffered from NNJ were scrutinized by two resident doctors, for the maternal and child factors associated with NNJ and for their influence on phototherapy. Results: NNJ was more observed in rural children, 45 (70%) and in children below 2 years of age 47 (72%). Child factors associated with NNJ were Low birth weight (93.8%) preterm delivery (81.5%) breast feeding (75.4%) IUGR (50%), poor Apgar score (23%) and infections (23%) Maternal factors associated with NNJ were Poverty (91%) less education (90%), unskilled (86%) Young age (78.5%), maternal infections (78.5%), Primigravida (70.8%), and abnormal deliveries (53%) were the leading factors associated with NNJ. Low birth weight in 51 (78%) breast feeding 46 (70%), Preterm delivery 42 (64%) poor Apgar score 7 (10%), and infections 8 (13%) were the predominant child factors affecting outcome of phototherapy. Maternal infections 42 (64%), primigravida 40 (61%)) and abnormal delivery practices 22 (33%) were the maternal factors influencing the outcome of photo therapy. Conclusions: Both the maternal and child factors contribute a lot while managing NNJ. They will also play a part in its management by phototherapy. Due consideration to these factors is essential while managing and preventing NNJ.