Incidence, Risk Factors and Causes of Severe Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in the South of Iran (Fars Province)

BACKGROUND Today, Severe hyperbilirubinemia is the most common cause of neonatal readmissions. Identification of the cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is useful in determining whether therapeutic interventions can prevent severe hyperbilirubinemia. OBJECTIVES We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia in Fars province and to determine the underlying causes and risk factors, which would be of value in identifying and implementing strategies to prevent morbidity from this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS All infants less than 28 days referred due to severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia were included. Complete history, physical examination and lab work up were performed. This is a longitudinal prospective study in 2009-2010. RESULTS More common causes of severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia were blood group incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, sepsis and unknown. Risk factors of severe hyperbilirubinemia were Male sex, previous siblings with severe hyperbilirubinemia, early discharge, NVD, Breast feeding and cultural background of mothers. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed severe neonate indirect hyperbilirubinemia is still prevalence in Fars province and ethnic and cultural background of the mothers was more effective than school education in preventing hyperbilirubinemia complication.