ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOME OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE AT ST.PAUL'S HOSPITAL MILLENIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background information: Neonatal jaundice is a very common condition worldwide occurring in up to 60% of term and 80% of preterm new-borns occurring in the first week of life. It’s uncommon in developed countries, but a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries often resulting in kernicterus with its resultant burden. This study assesses the occurrence of neonatal jaundice, and other associated factors of neonatal jaundice and the management outcomes at SPHMMC. Material and Method: A retrospective descriptive study (chart review) of all inborn and out born neonates admitted in NICU at SPHMMC from august 1, 2016 to January 1, 2017. Information from case file of the neonates were collected using data collection sheet within a 4 weeks’ time. Socio-demographic, risk factors, treatment modes used, and the treatment outcomes were collected and determined. The data was analysed using SPSS software. Result: A total of 1693 neonates were admitted into the NICU at SPHMMC in the 6 months study period. From these 166 neonates were diagnosed with neonatal jaundice accounting 9.8% of all admissions. Majority of the neonates, 156 subjects (93.9%) of them developed jaundice with in the first week of life. Out of 166 neonates 98 subjects (59%) were males and 68 (41%) were females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Majority of mothers of neonates with neonatal jaundice are in age between 21-25 years (104 mothers, 62.6%). The identifiable risk factors in this study were Neonatal sepsis (37.3%), prematurity (20.4%), low birth weight (38.5%) and low APGAR score (56.1%).The study shows that combination treatment showed better outcome in management of neonatal jaundice. Conclusion and recommendation: The study signifies that neonatal jaundice is one of the common admitted cases to the NICU at SPHMMC. The outcome of the neonates admitted with neonatal jaundice is good at our hospital. Provision of ante natal care, parent education, strengthening NICU care is essential in managing neonatal jaundice in our hospital. Keywords: Neonatal jaundice, neonatal sepsis, phototherapy, hyperbilirubinemia, kernicterus