Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and thyroid hormones deficiency in neonatal jaundice

G6PD deficiency is the most common inherited metabolic disorder and clinically significant red cell enzyme defect in man. Severe neonatal jaundice proved to be the most common clinical manifestation and a globally important most dangerous consequence of G6PD deficiency. Prolonged jaundice is sometimes associated with congenital hypothyroidism. So the early characterization of G6PD activity and thyroid hormone levels provides an etiological diagnosis for neonatal jaundice as well as the opportunity to give the newborn's family information concerning hemolytic crisis prevention and an early management in case of hypothyroidism. This study was conducted in an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and hypothyroidism in relation to neonatal physiological hyperbilirubinemia. The study included 50 neonates aged between 6 hr - 5 days, forty infants had jaundice and the other ten [control], were healthy neonates, matching the same age. All infants of the study were subjected to C-RP test, routine hematological evaluation, and serum total bilirubin levels, quantitative red blood cells G6PD assay and thyroid hormone levels. All the fifty cases of both jaundiced and healthy neonates were negative for C-RP test indicating that the 40 cases had physiological jaundice .The study revealed that G6PD enzyme was lower than normal level in 2 cases [5%]. TSH level was found to be higher than normal in 13 jaundiced neonates out of 40 [33%]. Seven jaundiced neonates [18%] had T4 hormone lower than normal while all the 40 jaundiced cases had normal T3 level. Correlation of the total bilirubin was significant with TSH and T3 at 0.05 levels, while there was no significance with both T4 and G6PD. statistically there was no correlation between bilirubin and both G6PD enzyme and thyroid hormones, but the incidence of hypothyroidism in this study was high [18%] and the incidence of G6PD deficiency was [5%]. This indicates a role of G6PD deficiency and hypothyroidism in developing neonatal jaundice among neonates. So, early neonatal screening program is recommended for early management

Epidemiology of neonatal jaundice at the University Hospital of the West Indies / Epidemiología de la ictericia neonatal en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of neonatal jaundice at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). METHODS: A retrospective review of all neonates at the UHWI with clinically significant jaundice between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 was performed. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: The incidence of clinically significant neonatal jaundice at the UHWI was 4.6% for the study period. There were 103 male (61%) and 67 (39%) female infants. The aetiology of jaundice in the infant was attributed to ABO incompatibility in 59 (35%), infection in 30 (18%), prematurity in 19 (11%), G6PD deficiency in 8 (5%), Rhesus incompatibility in 6 (3.5%) and no cause was identified in 16 (9%) infants. There was a low incidence (26%) of screening for G6PD deficiency although it was the most common aetiology for infants presenting from home. Nine (5%) neonates required exchange blood transfusion. Infants admitted from home had a significantly higher mean total bilirubin value at presentation, a significantly higher mean peak bilirubin level and presented significantly later than those who were admitted from the postnatal ward (p < 0.001). One patient was discharged with a diagnosis of bilirubin encephalopathy but defaulted from follow-up. Two neonates died but from causes unrelated to neonatal jaundice. Sixty-two patients (37%) were followed-up post discharge; 50% had hearing tests done, all tests were normal. Sixty-one (98%) infants had normal development at the time of the study; one patient had impaired motor development but this infant also had a myelomeningocoele. CONCLUSION: To further reduce morbidity associated with neonatal jaundice at the UHWI, there should be increased screening for G6PD deficiency; current systems in place for follow-up and monitoring of infants discharged from hospital prior to 72 hours must also be expanded and strengthened.

OBJETIVO: Describir la epidemiología de ictericia neonatal en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies (UHWI). MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de todos los recién nacidos con ictericia clínicamente significativa, en UHWI entre el 1ero de enero de 2006 y el 30 de junio de 2007. Se recogieron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos. RESULTADOS: La incidencia de la ictericia neonatal clínicamente significativa en UHWI fue de 4.6% para el periodo en estudio. Había 103 recién nacidos varones (61%) y 67 (39%) hembras. La etiología de la ictericia en los neonatos se atribuyó a la incompatibilidad de ABO en 59 (35%), infección en 30 (18%), prematuridad en 19 (11%), deficiencia de G6PD en 8 (5%), e incompatibilidad de Rhesus en 6 (3.5%). No se identificó ninguna causa en 16 (9%) de los recién nacidos. Hubo una baja incidencia (26%) de tamizaje para la deficiencia de G6PD, aún cuando ésta es la etiología más común en el caso de los infantes provenientes de casa. Nueve (5%) recién nacidos requirieron cambio de sangre mediante transfusión. Infantes ingresados desde sus casas presentaban un valor promedio de bilirrubina total significativamente mayor en el momento de su hospitalización, así como un nivel pico promedio de bilirrubina significativamente más alto, y se presentaron significativamente más tarde que aquellos ingresados directamente de las sala de atención postnatal (p < 0.001). Un paciente fue dado de alta con un diagnóstico de encefalopatía bilirrubínica, pero no se presentó a las sesiones de seguimiento. Dos recién nacidos murieron, pero por causas no relacionadas con la ictericia neonatal. Sesenta y dos pacientes (37%) tuvieron seguimiento luego del alta; al 50% se les realizó pruebas de audición; todas las pruebas arrojaron resultados normales. Sesenta y un infantes (98%) presentaban un desarrollo normal en el momento del estudio. Un paciente tenía discapacidad del desarrollo motor, pero también presentaba un mielomeningocele CONCLUSIÓN: A fin de lograr una reducción de la morbosidad asociada con la ictericia neonatal en UHWI, debe realizarse un tamizaje de la deficiencia de G6PD. Asimismo, es necesario ampliar y fortalecer los sistemas actuales establecidos para el seguimiento y monitoreo de los infantes dados de alta del hospital antes de las 72 horas.

Morbilidad en recién nacidos de término en relación a su edad gestacional / Morbidity risk and gestational age among full-term newborns

Introduction: Newborns of Gestational Age (GA) ³ 37 weeks are considered to be full-term, but they might show increased morbidity. Objective: To evaluate morbidity risk between newborns 37-38 weeks GA vs those over 39 weeks. Patients and Methods: Cohort study of all children born at a private clinic in Buenos Aires between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007, product of simple pregnancies and without major congenital abnormalities. A total of 1829 children met the criteria, among which 823 (45 percent) were 37-38 weeks GA, and 1006 (55 percent) were 39 weeks or over. The following parameters were recorded: birth route, maternal history and morbidity. Morbidity included at least one of the following: respiratory distress > 2 hours post-birth, use of intravenous solutions, jaundice and use of antibiotics. The association between morbidity and GA was evaluated using Chi-square, and logistical regression was used to evaluate the relationship between newborn morbidity and GA, birth route or maternal hypertension. Results: Newborns of 37-38 weeks GA showed higher incidence of each component of morbidity: respiratory distress (OR = 2,55 IC 95 percent = 1,70-3,82), jaundice (OR = 2,24 IC95 percent 1,72-2,29), antibiotic use (OR = 2,31 IC 95 percent= 1,15-4,69) and IV use (OR = 2,29 IC95 percent = 1,57-3,33). Multivariate analysis showed that GA 37-38 weeks (OR= 1,89 IC95 percent= 1,31-2,71) and a C-section (OR = 1,65 IC95 percent = 1,18-2,32) constituted independent predictors of morbidity. Conclusion: In this experience, a gestational age under 39 weeks increases morbidity risk.

Introducción: A pesar de considerarse recién nacidos (RN) de término a aquellos con edad gestacional (EG) ³ 37 semanas, aún dentro de este grupo, los de menor EG podrían presentar mayor morbilidad. Objetivo: Evaluar si existen diferencias en la frecuencia de morbilidad entre recién nacidos de 37-38 semanas de EG y aquellos de EG ³ de 39 semanas. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de cohorte incluyendo todos los RN de una institución privada de Buenos Aires, nacidos entre 01/01/06 y 31/07/07, con EG ³ 37 semanas, producto de gestas simples y sin malformaciones congénitas mayores (n = 1 829). De ellos, 823 (45 por ciento) tenían EG 37-38 semanas y 1 006 (55 por ciento) EG > 39 semanas. Se registró vía de nacimiento, antecedentes maternos y morbilidad (presencia de al menos una de las siguientes condiciones: dificultad respiratoria > 2 horas del nacimiento, aporte de líquidos intravenosos, ictericia y uso de antibióticos). Se evaluó asociación entre morbilidad (en general y para cada uno de sus componentes) y EG por medio de Chi cuadrado y se utilizó regresión logística para evaluar asociación entre EG, vía de parto (cesárea o vaginal), hipertensión arterial materna y morbilidad. Resultados: Los RN de 37-38 semanas presentaron mayor prevalencia de cada componente de morbilidad: dificultad respiratoria (OR = 2,55 IC 95 por ciento = 1,70-3,82), ictericia (OR = 2,24 IC95 por ciento 1,72-2,29), uso de antibióticos (OR = 2,31 IC 95 por ciento = 1,15-4,69) y accesos vasculares (OR = 2,29 IC95 por ciento = 1,57-3,33). El análisis multivariado mostró que EG 37-38 semanas(OR= 1,89IC95 por ciento= 1,31-2,71) y el parto por cesárea (OR = 1,65 IC95 por ciento = 1,18-2,32) constituían predictores independientes de morbilidad. Conclusión: En recién nacidos de término, la EG < 39 semanas incrementa la morbilidad.

Icterícia como causa de internação neonatal: a experiência em um serviço terciário de Porto Alegre, RS / Jaundice in healthy term newborns treated at a tertiary center in Porto Alegre, RS

Introdução: Cerca de 60-80% dos recém-nascidos (RN) tornam-se ictéricos durante os primeiros dias de vida. Apesar de geralmente representar um fenômeno transitório, alguns pacientes necessitam de tratamento hospitalar. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a causa principal de icterícia neonatal em recém-nascidos saudáveis internados no Hospital Luterano e possíveis associações com diversas variáveis clínicas. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo em que foram estudados todos os casos de RN com icterícia neonatal internados para tratamento de hiperbilirrubinemia na UTI Neonatal do Hospital Luterano da ULBRA, no período de abril de 2007 a dezembro de 2008. Os resultados foram expressos em estatística descritiva e foi utilizado o teste exato de Fischer e o teste Qui-quadrado. O limite alfa considerado foi de 5%, com nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Dentre os RNs estudados (74), 52,7% eram do sexo masculino e 45,9% eram do sexo feminino. 14,8% dos pacientes nasceram de parto vaginal, enquanto que 85,1% nasceram de cesárea. A maioria dos recém-nascidos estudados (74,3%) foi considerada a termo. O diagnóstico mais frequente (37,8%) de icterícia dos pacientes internados para tratamento no serviço foi o de baixo aporte. Os pacientes do sexo masculino necessitaram de maior tempo de fototerapia do que as pacientes do sexo feminino (p=0,056). Conclusão: O diagnóstico de baixo aporte recebido pelos pacientes foi a causa mais frequente de icterícia. Os meninos necessitaram de um tempo significativamente maior de fototerapia para o tratamento da icterícia do que as meninas; também houve associação positiva da hiperbilirrubinemia com a baixa idade.

Introduction: About 60-80% of the newborns (NB) experience jaundice in the first days of life. Although jaundice is often a transitory phenomenon, some infants require hospital care. The aim of this study was to determine the main cause of neonatal jaundice among healthy newborns admitted to the Hospital Luterano and the possible associations with a number of clinical variables. Methods: A retrospective study in which all cases of NB with neonatal jaundice admitted for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia at the Neonatal ICU of the Hospital Luterano of ULBRA were studied, from Apr 2007 to Dec 2008. The results were expressed as descriptive statistics, and Fisher’s exact test and the Chi-square test were applied. The alpha limit considered was 5%, with level of significance at 0.05. Results: Among the 74 NB studied, 52.7% were males and 45.9% were females. 14.8% of the infants had a vaginal birth, while 85.1% had a cesarean delivery. Most of the studied infants (74.3%) were born full term. The most frequent cause for (37.8%) jaundice among these patients was inadequate intake. The male patients needed to stay longer on phototherapy than female patients (p=0.056). Conclusion: Low intake by the patient was the most frequent cause of jaundice in this series. The boys needed significantly more time on phototherapy than females, and there was a positive association of hyperbilirubinemia with low age.

Prevalence of Rh negative pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic and delivered in Rajavithi Hospital: 2000-2005.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of Rh-negative pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic and delivered in Rajavithi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive retrospective study in Rh-negative pregnant women was done. The present study included the general characteristic of cases, anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis administration, fetal anemia and neonatal jaundice. RESULTS: During the study period, 147 Rh-negative pregnant women delivered at Rajavithi Hospital. The prevalence of Rh-negative pregnant women in Rajavithi hospital was 0.31%. Fetal anemia and neonatal jaundice were detected in 21.9% and 37.2%, respectively, and 68.14% of cases received antenatal anti-D immunoglobulin. Anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of neonatal jaundice (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Rh-negative pregnant women was 0.31%.

Evaluation of simple clinical signs of illness in young infants (0-2 months) and its correlation with WHO IMCI algorithm (7 days to 2 months).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate simple clinical signs of illness in young infants (0 to 2 months) and to correlate with WHO IMCI algorithm (7 days-2 months). DESIGN: Prospective observational. Study conducted in the outpatient department and emergency room of a pediatric tertiary level hospital. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety seven young infants (0 to 2 months) presenting to outpatient department or emergency room were recruited. Detailed history, clinical examination including all signs in IMCI algorithm was recorded in the pre-designed proforma. The study subjects were investigated and managed according to the protocol of treating unit, which served as gold standard. The diagnostic and therapeutic agreement between the gold standard and IMCI was computed. The study subjects were analyzed as one age group (0 to 2 months) and also after de- segregating into early and late neonatal age group (0 to 7 days and 7 days to 2 months age). RESULTS: Mean number of illnesses in 0 to 7 days, 7 days-2 months and 0-2 months groups were 1.97, 2.0 and 2.02 respectively. Those who required referral as per IMCI algorithm had higher proportion of co-morbidities. The referral criteria were fairly sensitive (78 to 85 percent) in predicting hospitalization with moderately high specificity (78 percent). Diagnostic agreement between gold standard and IMCI module was complete in 57 to 68 percent. Amongst diagnostic mismatch, under-diagnosis was found more frequently (72 to 82 percent) than over-diagnosis (17 to 29 percent). The sensitivity of algorithm to identify serious bacterial infections was quite high (96 to 98 percent) with moderately good specificity (80 to 92 percent). Jaundice was single most important complaint accounting for 47 to 62 percent of diagnostic mismatch. CONCLUSION: IMCI algorithm appears to be a promising, feasible and useful intervention strategy to triage and treat young infants in 7 days-2 months age group. This tool remains effective even when extended to 0 to 7 days age group. However a further increase in its sensitivity can be achieved by including yellowness of lower extremities/ palms/ soles as a criterion.

Overview of cases and prevalence of jaundice in neonatal intensive care unit.

This study was undertaken to know the pattern of jaundice prevalent among the babies admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). A total of 293 neonates including 201 (68.6%) males and 92 (31.4%) females were admitted over a period of one year (15th June 2001 to 14th June 2002). Prematurity (30.0%), birth asphyxia (29.0%), neonatal septicemia (25.9%) and respiratory distress (23.9%) were the most common reasons for admission to the NICU. There were 42 cases of neonatal jaundice, among which babies born to primigravidae (59.5%), exceeded those born to multigravidae (40.5%). Pathological jaundice was found in 64.3% of the admitted cases of neonatal jaundice. Prematurity (33.3%) and neonatal septicemia (25.9%) were the most common causes of pathological jaundice, while prematurity with neonatal septicemia (14.8%), ABO incompatibility (11.1%), Rh incompatibility (7.4%) and prematurity, neonatal septicemia and ABO incompatibility combined (7.4%) accounted for the remaining cases of jaundice. A more detailed study related to the pathogenesis of jaundice among neonates is needed for the prevention of this disease in them.

Neonatal cholestasis in Thai infants.

The objective of this study was to study etiologies and outcome of neonatal cholestasis in Thai infants. The medical records of infants aged less than 3 months with the diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis in Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital from 1993 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The etiologies were diagnosed by history, physical examination, and proper investigations. There were 252 infants, including 135 males (53.6%) and 117 females (46.4%). The etiologies of cholestasis were idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (INH) 23%, extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) 22.2%, total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-related cholestasis 18.3%, infection 9.9%, endocrine causes 6%, choledochal cyst 5.6%, Down syndrome 4.4%, hemolytic anemia 1.6%, and miscellaneous causes 9.1%, respectively. TPN-related cholestasis was increasingly found due to advance management of critically ill premature infants. Inborn error of metabolism were suspected in 8 patients (3.21%). Seventeen cases (6.7%) developed cholestasis during the first week of life due to hemolytic anemia, intrauterine infection, hypoxia and others. During the 3 month follow-up period, 6 cases died of progressive dysfunction of liver and one case with idiopathic neonatal hepatitis died from intracranial bleeding from vitamin K deficiency. In conclusion, INH and EHBA are the most common causes of neonatal cholestasis. Due to advance management and nutritional support in critically ill premature infants, TPN-related cholestasis is found more often. Inborn error of metabolism related to neonatal cholestases is uncommon in Thai infants. Overall short-term prognosis of neonatal cholestases is good.

Retinopathy of prematurity in VLBW and extreme LBW babies.

OBJECTIVE: This is a hospital-based, prospective clinical study to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of extreme low birth weight and very low birth weight pre-term babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. METHODS: All babies with a birth weight =/< 1500 g and gestational age =/< 32 weeks admitted in the Neonatal Unit, were screened for ROP between 4 to 6 weeks of age and staged according to the international classification and were followed up until complete vascularization of the retina. Fifty nine babies formed the study group. RESULTS: The overall incidence of ROP was 25.4% (15 out of 59), of which 6 babies had severe ROP and underwent cryotherapy/laser. All babies with ROP had a birth weight < 1250 g and were born before 31 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: ROP is a multifactorial disease, the immature retina of the pre-term baby being the primary factor. Incidence and severity was inversely proportional to birth weight and gestational age. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sepsis and total parenteral nutrition to be highly significant risk factors. Repeated blood transfusions, hypotension and congenital heart disease with left to right shunt were seen to be considerably associated with the development of ROP. A decrease in overall incidence and severity of ROP was observed in this study.

Neonatal jaundice in very low birth weight babies.

Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates born between January 1995 to December 1998, who survived for > 2 days, were studied for the incidence, causes and interventions required for neonatal jaundice. Significant neonatal jaundice was defined as the total serum bilirubin (TSB) level beyond which baby required intervention (phototherapy and/or exchange transfusion) for neonatal jaundice. The incidence of significant neonatal jaundice (NNJ) was 76.6% and 37.3% required exchange transfusion. It was 82.9% at gestational age < or = 28 weeks reduced whereas to 56.9% at gestational age of 35-36 weeks. The incidence was 75.3%, 78.5% and 76.7% in the birth weight group of 750-799 grams, 1000-1249 grams and 1250-1499 grams respectively. Glucose 6 phosphatase dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (12.1%) was the commonest cause of jaundice. There is a need for evaluation of prophylactic therapies that enhances liver function or decreases production of bilirubin, which would prevent the rise of TSB to dangerous levels and thus would decrease the need for exchange transfusions.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Thailand; its significance in the newborn.

The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Thai males ranges from 3-18% depending upon the geographic region. G6PD "Mahidol" (163 Gly --> Ser) is the most common variant found in the Thai population. Almost all affected Thai individuals are not anemic and are asymptomatic. Severe acute intravascular hemolysis is occasionally seen, for instance, in those cases who have a viral infection, bacterial infection or have been exposed to chemicals or drugs. In Thailand, diagnosis of G6PD deficiency is usually made only in symptomatic cases. Neonatal screening of G6PD deficiency is not practiced nationwide, though studies have been done in several institutes. The assessment of G6PD activity in the newborn is mostly in order to find out the cause of neonatal jaundice. In our experience and that of others. G6PD deficient newborns are more prone to develop neonatal jaundice which is, on its own, no more severe than jaundice from other causes. Kernicterus due to G6PD deficiency, though still seen, is now very rare. Awareness of the hazard of hyperbilirubinemia, whatever the cause, along with active management is needed to prevent the occurrence of kernicterus. Neonatal screening is useful to detect abnormalities in the newborn. Weighing of the cost and benefit of neonatal screening should be made and the families of patients should be offered proper education and counseling to help them understand their babies' condition.

Icterícia neonatal: levantamento dos casos ocorridos no Hospital Universitário Regional de Maringá (HUM), entre novembro de 1993 e julho de 1995 / Newborn jaundice: survey of the cases occured in the Hospital Universitário Regional de Maringá (HUM) from November 1993 to July 1995

O objetivo do estudo foi traçar o perfil do serviço de neonatologia do HUM quanto ao atendimento ao recém-nascido ictérico. Foram levantados todos os prontuários com diagnóstico de trabalho de parto registrados entre novembro de 1993 e julho de 1995 no HUM e considerados como populaçäo de estudo todos os recém-nascidos que apresentaram icterícia entre o nascimento e a alta hospitalar. Os dados foram processados pelo sistema EPI-info/Excel e utilizado teste näo-paramétrico (Qui-quadrado) para análise dos resultados. No período, nasceram 574 crianças, das quais 281 (48,95 por cento) tiveram icterícia neonatal, sendo 53,38 por cento do sexo masculino e 46,62 por cento do sexo feminino. As crianças ictéricas foram distribuídas em 2 grupos (tratadas e näo tratadas) e classificadas de acordo com a idade gestacional, peso ao nascimento, tipo de parto, presença de asfixia ao nascimento, distúrbios associados. O teste do Qui-quadrado revelou-se significativo entre todas as variáveis, exceto quanto ao tipo de parto. Dos RN ictéricos, 74,38 por cento näo receberam tratamento, 25,27 por cento foram submetidos à fototerapia isolada e 0,35 por cento a exsangüíneo-transfusäo. Dentre os tratado, em 70,83 por cento o diagnóstico foi de icterícia fisiológica e em 9,72 por centro foi referido algum grau de desidrataçäo como complicaçäo da fototerapia. O observado näo diferiu de dados da literatura, mostrando somente a alta freqüência de icterícia e a diversidade de conduta frente ao mesmo nível de bilirrubina e à mesma idade gestacional.

Neonatal morbidity in a hospital at Shimla.

During the study period there were 2063 live births. Of these 573 (27.8%) were low birth weight (LBW), 277 (13.4%) preterm and 148 (7.1%) small for date (SFD) babies. In all, 263 (12.7%) newborns suffered from one or the other morbidity. Birth asphyxia of varying severity developed in 130 (6.3%) babies [88 LBW and 42 normal birth weight (NBW) (p < 0.001)]. Respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed in 82 (3.9%) babies, most being due to hyaline membrane diseases (31.7%), which affected 26 (9.4%) of preterm babies. Deep infections were seen in 109 (5.3%) newborns [60 LBW and 49 NBW, (p < 0.001)] and superficial infections were seen in 79 (3.8%) babies [46 LBW and 33 NBW, (p < 0.001)]. Hyperbilirubinemia was detected in 78 (3.8%) babies. In one fifth of the babies, the cause of hyperbilirubinemia remained unidentified even after detailed investigations. Hypothermia was observed in 59 (2.9%) newborns [48 LBW and 11 NBW, (p < 0.001] and congenital malformations were seen in 24 (1.7%) babies. Morbidity was found to be high amongst LBW and preterm babies. The incidence of deep infections and hypothermia was high in our study.

Incidencia de ictericia en recién nacidos del Hospital Luis Manuel Morillo King de La Vega, marzo-diciembre 1994 / Incidence of newborn icterus at the \"Luis Morillo King\" Hospital of La Vega, March-December 1994

El recién nacido ictérico, representa hoy por hoy un reto para nuestros Gineco-obstetras, médicos generales y de manera muy particular para nuestros perinatólogos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer el grado de incidencia que ocupa la ictericia del recién nacido en la población perteneciente al Hospital Luis Manuel Morillo King; La Vega, República Dominicana durante el período marzo-diciembre 1994. Durante el período de nuestra investigación fueron asistidas en nuestro centro un total de 2518 recién nacidos niños de los cuales 74 casos (2.9) presentaron ictericia. (79.7//) resultaron ser a término; 15 de ellos recién nacidos prematuros. (2.7//) de las madres habían sido sometidas a transfusión sanguínea por lo menos en una ocasión. Se ha demostrado que la oxitocina usada de manera prolongada como inductor y/o conductor de la labor de parto se ha relacionado con la ictericia. En nuestro estudio se utilizó oxitocina en 8 de las madres cuyos recién nacidos presentaron ictericia 10.8// del total

Risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

The purpose of this Historical Prospective Study was to analyze factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Data were collected from summary labour records and individual patients' records at Ramathibodi Hospital between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 1988. Of the 7,644 livebirths, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (> or = 15 mg/100 ml) occurred in 638 cases. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between hyperbilirubinemia and vacuum extraction (RR 2.7), preterm delivery (relative risk, RR 2.1), low birthweight (RR 2.0), antepartum complication (RR 1.7), intrapartum complications (RR 1.5), forceps delivery (RR 1.4), and oxytocin infusion (RR 1.3). No significant relationship emerged between hyperbilirubinemia and fetal sex, cesarean section, breech delivery and the 5 min Apgar score. From 1984 to 1988 there was a pronounced increase in the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Ramathibodi Hospital. This increase was consistent with the increase in use of oxytocin infusion which reflects changes in obstetric practice. Provision of information, education and communication about this adverse effect to obstetricians and auditing their use are suggested solutions.

Correlation between free bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in normal newborn infants with non-hemolytic jaundice and effect of hemolysis on free bilirubin measurement by the peroxidase method

The present study was undertaken to determine the correlation between free bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in normal newborn infants with non-hemolytic jaundice, and the possible effect of hemolysis on free bilirubin measurement by the peroxidase method. A prospective study protocol was applied at the Neonatal Unit of the Department of Pediatrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina. Forty-three newborn infants were submitted to measurement of free bilirubin and bilirubin fractions and the extent of hemolysis of the sample was determined. Data were analyzed statistically by the Student t-test. A positive and moderate correlation (r = 0.668; p < 0.01) was detected between free bilirubin and indirect bilirubin. The linear regression equation calculated by the least squares method was as follows: f(x) = 4.562 + 0.382x. The concentration of free bilirubin was inversely proportional to sample hemolysis, the difference being greater at 50 mg/dl hemolysis. Despite these results, however, the use of this correlation is delicate due to the impossibility of establishing it in individual cases. Also, since the samples may show some degree of hemolysis, this factor should be minimized by appropriate sample collection before free bilirubin measurement

A four year study on neonatal morbidity in a New Delhi hospital.

The neonatal morbidity was studied in 7015 neonates born at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, New Delhi. The incidence of low birth weight babies was 26.7 per cent; one seventh (13.5%) of the series were preterm (less than 37 wk), while 6.6 per cent were 'small-for-dates'. Birth asphyxia of varying severity developed in 5.9 per cent infants. Respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed in 5.7 per 100 live-births; most being due to hyaline membrane disease (33.5%), which affected 14.1 per cent of preterm babies. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 5.9 per cent, most of whom were premature. In nearly one-fifth, the cause of jaundice could not be identified after detailed investigations. Minor bacterial infections (conjunctivitis, pyoderma, oral thrush, umbilical sepsis) were observed in 1.8 per cent while major infections (septicemia, meningitis, diarrhoea) in 3.0 per cent. The overall incidence of major malformations was 2.3 per cent. Reasons for low incidence of bacterial infections and common occurrence of hyaline membrane disease in premature infants, are highlighted.