Unconjugated Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Evaluation and Treatment

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a common problem with a lot of faults that may happen during its management.

Objective:To study the epidemiological features of the unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia(UHB)in Diyala Governorate and discuss the proper lines of therapy, as well as to discuss the daily practice adopted in our hospital, and its complications. 

Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 100 neonates (term and preterm babies) with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia aged 0-7 days who were admitted to the Al-Batool Teaching Hospital in Baqubah, Iraq, from 1^st February 2018 to the 1^st November 2018. Term infants with total serum bilirubin (TSB) ≥ 22mg/dL were treated with exchange transfusion and phototherapy (Group A, 44 neonates). Those with total serum bilirubin levels from 13-<22mg/dL were treated with phototherapy only (Group B, 56 neonates). These decisions were made according to the TSB level and risk factors.

Results: Forty-eight percent of neonates had hemolytic causes (Rh-isoimmunization 13%; ABO-incompatibility 10%; G6PD-deficiency 25%). Other include: sepsis 8%; prematurity 33%; congenital CMV infection 1%; and there were 10% had no evidence of hemolysis or other serious problems. The mortality rate was 3.8% of those who had an exchange transfusion.

Conclusion: The decision of kind of treatment is dependent on the underlying etiology of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.