Identifying Modifiable Socio-demographic Risk Factors for Severe Hyperbilirubinaemia in Late Preterm and Term Babies in Abuja, Nigeria
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2016, Vol 16, Issue 8
Abstract
Background: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia remains an important cause of neonatal admissions in Nigeria, often giving rise to irreversible neurotoxicity. Access to effective phototherapy is restricted to a few centers while salvage therapy with exchange blood transfusion may occur too late to reverse acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE). Aim: We set out to identify modifiable socio-demographic risk factors for severe neonatal jaundice in babies of ≥34 week gestation at the National Hospital Abuja. Methodology: Late preterm and term babies admitted into Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) with jaundice from April 2014 to May 2015 were consecutively recruited into the study with parental consent. Socio-demographic information, history of common risk factors for neonatal jaundice and results of laboratory investigations were obtained for statistical analysis. Jaundice was classified as severe (≥ 20 mg/dl) or non-severe (10-19 mgdl). Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out to determine the significance of associations between risk factors and severity of jaundice. Results: A total of 123 babies were seen with an Inborn/Out born ratio of 1:2.3. Eighty two percent were term. Severe Jaundice accounted for 43(35%). The mean TSB for babies with severe jaundice was 29.1(9.6) mg/dl while that of controls was 16.9(5.9) mg/dl, (p=0.000). There was no significant difference in the distribution of primary risk factors (ABO/Rh incompatibility, sepsis, G6PD deficiency and concealed haemorrhage) among severe and non-severe groups. Among investigated secondary risk factors, late presentation (P=0.043), being out born (OR=0.164 95% CF=0.054-0.504), vaginal delivery (p=0.012), prematurity (OR=2.233 95% CF=1.051-4.740) and maternal education (p=0.017) were significantly associated with severe jaundice. Over 98% of the mothers had antenatal care while 91% delivered in hospitals/clinics. Thirty two (26%) had signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy and exchange blood transfusion was done in 50 (40.7%) babies. Recommendation: There is a need to refocus preventive strategies on modifiable risk factors, increasing awareness about the consequences of neonatal jaundice and the essence of early identification as well as prompt hospital presentation.
Authors and Affiliations
L. I. Audu, A. B. Mairami, A. T. Otuneye, R. Mohammed-Nafi’u, L. J. Mshelia, V. E. Nwatah, Y. Wey
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