Incidence of jaundice in mature, premature, and small for date neonates

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of neonatal jaundice in Egyptian mature, premature and small for date neonates. The study was conducted on neonates administered to NICUs in Al-Galaa and Sayed Galal hospitals in the period from January to June 2007. The total number of admitted neonates was 1048, out of them 257 developed neonatal jaundice, 150 of them were chosen and divided to three equal groups i.e. full-term group, premature group and small for date group. These neonates were subjected to prenatal history, full clinical examination and full laboratory investigations. The study showed that the incidence of neonatal jaundice was 24.5%, the incidence in low birth weight [preterm and small for date] neonates was higher than in full term neonates and that the date of appearance was earlier in preterm than in full term and small for date. Total serum bilirubin was higher in preterm than in full-term and small for date. The study showed that the incidence of Caesarian section was higher in preterm neonates than in full-term and small for date neonates and that total serum bilirubin was higher in small for date neonates delivered by Caesarian section than those delivered by normal or assisted delivery