FREQUENCY OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE IN PREMATURE INFANTS LESS THAN 35 WEEKS

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in premature infants and can lead to significant neurological complications if not diagnosed and managed promptly.

Objective: To determine frequency of neonatal jaundice in premature infants less than 35 weeks.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Women & Children Teaching Hospital, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from January 10, 2024, to July 10, 2024. After receiving approval from the hospital’s ethical committee, a total of 219 newborns aged less than 14 days and born prematurely (<35 weeks of gestational age) were enrolled. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed, and detailed methodology regarding patient selection, clinical evaluation, and diagnostic criteria for neonatal jaundice was implemented as per standard pediatric guidelines.

Results: Among the 219 premature infants, 133 (60.7%) were male, and 86 (39.3%) were female. Neonatal jaundice was observed in 147 (67.1%) cases. The age distribution of jaundiced infants showed that 31.1% of cases occurred at 4–5 days, 40.6% at 6–9 days, and 28.3% at 10–14 days. The mean age at presentation was 9.55 ± 2.88 days. The frequency of jaundice was higher among males (70.7%) compared to females (61.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean total serum bilirubin among affected infants was 12.4 ± 3.1 mg/dL. No significant association was found between gestational age subgroup (<32 weeks vs. 32–35 weeks) and severity of jaundice.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a total serum bilirubin (TSB) level of less than 6 mg/dl is a reliable predictor of no subsequent hyperbilirubinemia. This prediction holds significant implications, particularly in resource-limited settings, allowing for early discharge of low-risk infants and efficient use of hospital resources.