Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Jaundice is one of the most common physiologic problems requiring medical attention in the new born. Phototherapy and exchange transfusion remain the primary treatment modalities to keep the maximal total serum bilirubin below the pathologic levels. Aim of the work: To evaluate cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Cairo University Paediatric Hospital (CUPH) as regards magnitude of the problem, causes, management, prognosis and outcome, in order to recommend for further improvement of the medical services given and to determine any new changes in the nature of cases of neonatal jaundice. Methods: Retrospective observational study done in the NICU of CUPH on all neonates admitted with indirect hyperbilirubinemia to the NICU of CUPH over one year period from the start of January 2015 to the end of December 2015. Results: ABO incompatibility was the most common cause of jaundice in 50.6% of the cases, followed by unidentified cause in 34.9% then Rh incompatibility in 9.6% then combined ABO&RH incompatibility in 4.9%, sepsis in 7.6%. Sepsis or respiratory distress (as an association) significantly worsened the outcome of neonatal jaundice (P<0.001 for each). Markedly elevated Total serum bilirubin level on admission worsened the outcome of neonatal jaundice (P=0.005), While Rh incompatibility, and ABO incompatibility did not significantly affect the mortality among cases (P=0.741). Average duration of hospital stay for cases used intensive phototherapy (Bilisphere) was 3.56 ± 1.67 days, while it was 3.39 ± 1.15 days for cases used the other methods and 3.83 ± 1.80 days for cases used bilisphere and blood exchange

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