Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem encountered in neonates and often requires admission and treatment. Aims & Objectives: To determine the incidence, etiology and risk factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on data obtained on live births for 2012 and 2013.All treated cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were analyzed and data on gender, gestation age, mode of delivery, blood group incompatibility, sepsis, parity and birth weight were obtained.
Results: 753 neonates were treated for hyperbilirubinemia, the total number of live births was 5589. The incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was 13.47%. ABO blood group incompatibility was the most common cause of hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: Blood Group incompatibilities, sepsis, and cephalohematoma were the common causes of hyperbilirubinemia, however in nearly a third of all cases etiology could not be determined. Preterm gestation and low birth weight were associated risk factors.