Neonatal jaundice in Zaria, Nigeria--a second prospective study

Of the 587 neonates born in ABUTH, Zaria, Nigeria and successfully followed up, 99 were clinically jaundiced (16.9%). Of these, only 38 (38%) had significant hyperbilirubinaemia (serum bilirubin above 170 umol/L). During the same period, 279 neonates were admitted through Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) of whom 70 (25%) were jaundiced and 64 (95%) of them had serum bilirubin above 170 umol/L. Jaundice was more severe and the incidence of kernicterus higher in babies born outside the hospital than in those born in hospital and periodically followed up. The incidence of kernicterus was 20.3% and 2.6% respectively. The pattern of aetiological factors was similar in the two groups of jaundiced neonates. Septicaemia (50%) and G6PD deficiency (40%) were the major aetiological factors. Exposure to traditional herbal medications, oxytocin induced/augmented labour, cephalhaematoma and tribal incidences did not play statistically significant roles. Jaundice due to Rh-incompatibility was not encountered. Results of this double prospective study were compared with the previous findings in this and other centres in Nigeria.