Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, though of common occurrence, is a significant medical condition not only because of its impact on hospital discharge but more importantly because of its potential to cause serious long term neurological complications.

Method: In this retrospective study, data of  258 neonates treated for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the neonatal unit of MGM Medical College, Kishanganj, Bihar during the period January  2016 to December 2016 were analyzed and taken up for the study.

Results: In our study ABO incompatibility was the most common cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia followed by idiopathic, prematurity, Rh incompatibility and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, in addition to other minor causes. Male preponderance was seen. Unfortunately bilirubin encephalopathy (Kernicterus) was seen in a couple of cases.

Conclusion: ABO incompatibility is a very common cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Although historically Rh incompatibility has been accorded much  importance, ABO incompatibility should alert the attending doctors about the impending risk of significant neonatal jaundice. If discharged early a written protocol should be followed where a revisit should be planed within 1 to 3 days for babies with any risk factor so that hyperbilirubinemia , if any, is detected and treated accordingly to prevent long term neurological morbidity.

Key Words: Neonates, Hyperbilirubinemia, ABO incompatibility, Prematurity, Jaundice, G6PD.

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Dr Niru Chhetri

Associate Professor in Biochemistry,

MGM Medical College and LSK Hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar

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