Evaluation of neonatal jaundice based on the severity of hyperbilirubinemia
Maryam Zakerihamidi, Hassan Boskabadi, Majid Sezavar
Abstract
Introduction: Recognition of the characteristics of neonatal jaundice with different levels of severity can help the physician with appropriate treatment and prediction of complications. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of neonatal jaundice in different levels of severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 3005 neonates referring to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Clinic, and Emergency ward in Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, Iran, from 2009 to 2018. Sampling was carried out through the convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, including laboratory evaluation, as well as assessment of maternal and neonatal characteristics. The newborns were divided into six groups based on the serum bilirubin level and then compared in terms of characteristics, causes, and prognosis according to the severity of jaundice. The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test and Chi-square test. Results: In most cases, the present of jaundice was reported between 2 and 3 days of birth, and the age of neonates' reference was between 6 and 8 days of birth. Causes of neonatal jaundice included unknown reasons (61.25%), increased production of bilirubin (22%), severe weight loss (7%), infections (5.3%), endocrine disorders (2.5%), and other causes (1.7%). In jaundice level lower than 25 mg/dl, about 15% of neonates were reported with complications; however, at the bilirubin level higher than 35 mg/dl, approximately 40% of newborns had complications. Conclusion: The known causes of the jaundice were mostly observed in the increased bilirubin production level higher than 25 mg/dl.