Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Neonatal Jaundice in Newborns Admitted to the Neonatal Unit at Zawia Medical Center (2018).
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.52Keywords:
Neonatal jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, newborns, prematurity, sepsis, LibyaAbstract
Background: Neonatal jaundice is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several risk factors including prematurity, neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, and blood group incompatibility have been associated with its occurrence. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to the neonatal unit at Zawia Medical Center, Libya. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of neonates admitted with neonatal jaundice from January to December 2018. Data regarding demographic characteristics, risk factors, bilirubin levels, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Among 902 neonatal admissions, 123 cases of neonatal jaundice were identified, giving a prevalence of 13.6%. The mean serum bilirubin level was 8.8 ± 3.3 mg/dL, and the mean age at presentation was 34.8 ± 20.7 hours. Prematurity (56.1%), neonatal sepsis (47.2%), and birth asphyxia (44.7%) were the leading associated factors. ABO incompatibility was identified in 19.7% of cases, while 3.5% were associated with Rh incompatibility. Most neonates recovered and were discharged (73.6%), whereas mortality occurred in 16.5%. Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice remains a common cause of neonatal morbidity in Zawia Medical Center. Prematurity, sepsis, and birth asphyxia were the most frequent associated factors. Early identification of high-risk neonates and timely management may improve neonatal outcomes.
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