A cross-sectional study of management of neonatal jaundice

Objectives: In this study, our objectives were to facilitate early diagnosis and reduce subsequent complications of neonatal jaundice by appropriate treatment. Methods: The study was done as Random Sampling of neonates noticed to have deep yellow discolouration of whole body that were born in Rockland Hospital, Delhi, during the period 01.01.2012 till 07.08.2014. Results: In our cross-sectional study of 661 neonates, the results showed that the prevalence of physiologic jaundice in neonates was 86.99% and the prevalence of pathologic indirect hyperbilirubinemia in neonates was 13.01%. Physiological jaundice in newborns was transient and dissipated without medical intervention. Sunbathing was advised in all cases of physiologic jaundice. Bilirubin count is also lowered through excretion — bowel movements and urination —so frequent and effective feedings were vital measures to decrease jaundice in infants. In pathologic jaundice cases when serum bilirubin levels were greater than 12 mg/dL, infant was treated with single surface or double surface phototherapy, depending on the infant's age and prematurity status. All the neonates with TSB more than 18mg/dL were also associated with early onset neonatal sepsis, so they were given antibiotics, phototherapy and other supportive treatment. No neonate with jaundice required exchange transfusion or liver transplantation. Conclusions: No neonate discharged from hospital was reported to have hydrops foetalis, kernicterus or cerebral palsy during admission or on follow up. Besides, the Neonatal Mortality Rate was zero, in our study. Thus, it is evident in our study that the morbidity and mortality are completely preventable in neonates by appropriate management of neonatal jaundice and associated risk factors.