Neonatal jaundice a common condition which affects about 60-80% of newborn and if severe can lead serious neurological sequelae. Determinants include neonatal and maternal factors. A prospective case control descriptive study in a tertiary care centre was done in 62 consecutive cases with neonatal jaundice and 124 consecutive newborns without jaundice served as controls. The major determinants for neonatal jaundice were low birth weight <2.5 kg (OR 24.54 95% CI 10.98 – 54.84 : P<0.0001), birth asphyxia (OR 16.5; 95% CI 4.63- 58.76, P<0.0001), Low APGAR score <7( OR 26.1; 95% CI   3.28- 207.47, P =0.0002), prematurity <37weeks ( OR 28.92 95% CI 12.15-68.82 P=0.0001) Preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 58.57 95% CI 7.67 -449.87 P<0.0001) and malpresentation (OR 14.64 95% CI 3.16 -67.792 tailed p =0.00004).The factors which evolved significant on logistic regression were Preterm premature rupture of membranes , gestational age <37 weeks , APGAR score below 7, Birth weight below 2500grams , Birth asphyxia and multiple pregnancy. The association was less strong for ABO incompatibility, antepartum hemorrhage and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Meticulous antenatal care of these high risk pregnancies and intrapartum and post partum care will help in reducing the occurrence of neonatal jaundice.

Keywords: Neonatal jaundice, Determinants,  Preterm Premature Rrupture of Membranes, APGAR.

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Dr Sudha Menon

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