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Underlying etiologies of prolonged icterus in neonates

N Najati1, M M Gharebaghi, F Mortazavi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Children Hospital, Tabriz, Iran.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences : PJBS
|August 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged neonatal jaundice, persisting beyond 14 days, was studied in 100 newborns. Breastfeeding was identified as the most common cause, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis and management of neonatal jaundice.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Neonatal jaundice (icterus) is a common condition in newborns.
  • Prolonged neonatal jaundice, lasting over 14 days, requires thorough investigation to prevent severe complications.
  • Identifying the etiology of prolonged jaundice is critical for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and determine the underlying causes of prolonged neonatal jaundice.
  • To establish the prevalence of different etiologies contributing to persistent neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding the diagnosis and management of prolonged neonatal jaundice.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted over six months at Tabriz Children Teaching Hospital.
  • One hundred newborns diagnosed with prolonged icterus were evaluated.
  • Data collected included medical history, physical examination, and laboratory/paraclinical investigations to document the cause of jaundice.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding-associated jaundice was the most frequent cause, identified in 75% of cases.
  • Urinary tract infection and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency each accounted for 7% of cases.
  • Hypothyroidism was found in 4%, with ABO incompatibility, sepsis, and Down syndrome identified in a small number of patients. Etiology remained unknown in 4%.

Conclusions:

  • The underlying causes of prolonged neonatal jaundice can be identified in most cases.
  • Breastfeeding is the predominant cause of prolonged jaundice in the studied population.
  • Prompt etiological diagnosis is essential for appropriate management and prevention of adverse outcomes in neonates with prolonged jaundice.

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