Survey of neonatal jaundice in Port Moresby

Neonatal jaundice is a common problem in Port Moresby. A survey was carried out on 50 consecutive jaundiced neonates in an attempt to delineate the causes of severe neonatal jaundice (bilirubin 15 mg. % or more). ABO blood group incompatibility, G-6-P-D deficiency and infection accounted for 62% of cases while no cause could be found in 38% of cases. Low birth weight, multiple births, male sex, asphyxia, delivery occuring outside the hospital, and vacuum extraction were associated more commonly with jaundiced neonates than with the controls. There was a statistically significant association between the use of promethazine in the mother during and after labour and jaundice in the newborn. The association between the use of sulphonamides in the mother after delivery and neonatal jaundice was suggestive but not statistically significant.