Neonatal jaundice In Kirkuk pediatric hospital: epidemiological study and outcome

Abstract

Neonatal Jaundice is a common problem affecting over half of all full-term and most preterm infants. A retrospective study which reviewed all premature neonates whom admitted to the neonatal care unit of Kirkuk pediatric hospital from 1" January 2006 to 315t December 2006. Data regarding gestational age, birth weight, sex, peak serum bilirubin levels, mode of treatment, and associated conditions were collected and analyzed. The result of the study showed higher frequency of neonatal jaundice in females with (91.64% of total females VS. 80.5% of total males). Jaundice was more in premature infants (93%) than full term infants (86.16%). In most case the exact causes behind jaundice passed undiagnosed, identifiable causes include physiological jaundice (12.21%), sepsis (10.25), and blood group incompatibilities (6.61%). Exchange blood transfusion required in (16.75%) cases treatment, other neonates treated successfully by phototherapy.