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Hemolysis due to gram-negative urinary tract infection
Birth Defects Original Article Series
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Urinary tract infections in infants can cause jaundice and elevated bilirubin levels. Escherichia coli was the most common cause, with hemolysis observed in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Jaundice is a common condition in newborns.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in infants and may present with non-specific symptoms.
- The relationship between UTIs, jaundice, and specific bacterial pathogens in neonates requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation and laboratory findings of infants with urinary tract infections presenting with jaundice.
- To identify the predominant bacterial pathogens causing UTIs in jaundiced infants.
- To explore potential associations between blood group types, Escherichia coli infection, and the occurrence of jaundice in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 infants (8-62 days old) diagnosed with UTI and jaundice.
- Bilirubin levels (direct and indirect), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and evidence of hemolysis were assessed.
- Bacterial cultures were performed, and infecting organisms were identified.
- Blood group typing was conducted for the infant cohort.
Main Results:
- All 24 infants presented with jaundice, with bilirubin levels ranging from 6-48.2 mg/dl.
- Elevated direct and indirect bilirubin fractions were observed, except in infants under 10 days old.
- Blood urea nitrogen levels correlated with bilirubin elevation.
- Hemolysis was documented in 21 infants.
- Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (20 patients), with isolates showing hemolytic activity.
- An unusual distribution of blood groups was noted, with a higher prevalence of blood group B compared to A.
Conclusions:
- Urinary tract infections, particularly those caused by Escherichia coli, are a significant cause of jaundice in infants.
- Hemolysis appears to be a common complication associated with UTIs in this age group.
- The observed altered frequency of blood groups warrants further research into its potential role in susceptibility to E. coli infection and jaundice.