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Urinary tract infection and indirect hyperbilirubinemia in newborns

Chamdine Omar1, Shadi Hamza, Abou Merhi Bassem

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Makassed General Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon.

North American Journal of Medical Sciences
|February 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be present in newborns with jaundice, even without other symptoms. Early detection of UTIs in jaundiced infants is crucial for timely treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Neonatal jaundice affects a significant proportion of newborns (60% term, 80% preterm).
  • Jaundice can be an indicator of serious underlying conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and prevalence of UTIs in newborns presenting with indirect hyperbilirubinemia.
  • To investigate the association between UTIs and prolonged jaundice in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of asymptomatic, jaundiced neonates for UTI.
  • Review of demographic, historical, blood study, radiological, and treatment data.

Main Results:

  • A UTI was identified in 32 out of 152 neonates (21.1%).
  • Klebsiella and Escherichia coli were the most common causative organisms.
  • Newborns with UTI required shorter phototherapy durations compared to those without UTI.

Conclusions:

  • Urinary tract infections can manifest as the primary condition in asymptomatic, jaundiced newborns.
  • Screening for UTIs in neonates with unexplained jaundice is recommended for early diagnosis and management.
Abstract

Keywords:
Jaundiceneonatal periodphototherapy

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