Incidence and Causes of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Received Phototherapy in Kamphaengsaen Hospital

Abstract

This is descriptive study undertaken to study causes and incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates who received phototherapy in Kamphaengsaen hospital. Data of term infants born in Kamphaengsaen hospital between October 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010 with hyperbilirubinemia indicated for phototherapy were collected. Baseline characteristics, physical examination and investigations were recorded. Of 467 neonates, there were 114 term infants with significant hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy (24.4%). The causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term infants who received phototherapy were mostly unidentified (91.1%). Most cases presented jaundice at the average age of 3.3 days. Physicians should observe hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns during the first 3-4 days.