Some clinico-laboratory aspects of the problems of neonatal jaundice

This study included one hundred newborns with neonatal jaundices as well as twenty age and sex matched newborns as a control group. The detected causes of jaundice in this study were isoimmunization [Rh and ABO] [33%] and all cases were investigated for the presence of irregular antibodies, but with negative results. The second major cause of jaundice in the study was septicemia[15%], some other causes were found to play a minor role. Thyroid function test [T3, T4 and TSH] was evaluated for detection of hypothyroidism as a cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and all cases were normal for age. Infant risk factors that were recorded among newborns with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were also studied. The rate of these risk factors were as followed; males sex [72%], prematurity [20%] and intrauterine growth retardation [IUGR][12%]. Most of these cases recovered by treatment of the cause and phototherapy [75% versus 25% of phototherapy and exchange transfusion]. However, 78.5% of cases with Rh-incompatibility and 31.5% of cases with ABO-incompatibility needed exchange transfusion combined with phototherapy. Concerning the outcome of the studied cases, 82% were cured, 13% died and 5% developed complications. It was concluded that proper antenatal care for the pregnant mothers, early diagnosis and management of neonatal jaundice and keeping in mind the possibilities of congenital hypothyroidism are recommended

Renal impairment in jaundiced full term neonates

This study included eighty-five full term newborns with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to ABO and RH incompatibility as well as twenty healthy age and sex matched full term newborns as a control group. None of the cases showed any other stress factor which may cause renal failure e.g. septicemia, asphyxia or diabetic mother. Abdominal ultrasonography was done to exclude cases renal abnormalities. All cases were subjected to full clinical examination. Laboratory investigations of blood samples were taken at the 15th day then at the 30th day of postnatal life for blood culture, Coomb's test, blood urea and serum sodium, potassium, creatinine and uric acid. Blood groups were determined for babies and their mothers. Urine samples were taken at the 5th, 15th and 30th day of postnatal life for urine analysis, total protein, microalbumin, B2-microglobulin, urinary creatinine, sodium and potassium