Neonatal and Maternal Risk Factors for Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia: A Cross-Sectional Study from Bahrain

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition requiring careful management.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for preventing severe outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the common neonatal and maternal risk factors for indirect hyperbilirubinemia in Bahraini neonates.
• To analyze the association between risk factors and bilirubin levels, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 404 neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia.
• Data collection on demographic factors, risk factors (ABO incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, maternal age), and treatment (phototherapy, IVIG, exchange transfusion).

Main Results:

• ABO incompatibility (37.6%) and G6PD deficiency (32.5%) were the most frequent neonatal risk factors. Advanced maternal age (>25 years) was the primary maternal risk factor (81.9%).
• Neonates with ABO incompatibility had higher bilirubin levels. Phototherapy use increased with bilirubin levels. IVIG and exchange transfusion were used in 10.9% and 3.5% of cases, respectively.
• Male gender, Bahraini ethnicity, reticulocytosis, and IVIG use were associated with increased risk factors.

Conclusions:

• ABO incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, and older maternal age are significant risk factors for neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia.
• Associated factors include Bahraini ethnicity, male gender, reticulocytosis, and IVIG use.
• Screening for these risk factors enables timely management to prevent complications.