Neonatal Jaundice at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa and Ife State Hospital, Ile-Ife. Nigerian

Abstract

Summary:  Analysis of 273 cases of severe neonatal jaun dice (NNT) seen at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa and the Ife State Hospi tal, Ile-Ife, over an eight-month period, has shown that even though the over all pattern of disease was similar in the two centres, differences were found between the inpatients and out patients in both centres. The mean age at which jaundice was observed was significantly higher and jaundice was more severe among the out patient cases as judged by the need for exchange blood transfusion and the number with kernicterus. The major associated aetiological factors were Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in 45.8%, ABO incompatibility in 27.5%, low birthweight in 24.2% and septicaemia in 20.5%. In 24.2% of cases, no aetiological factor was identi fied, while in 25% multiple factors were associated. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was significantly more common in the outpatient than in patient cases and about 80% of the outpatients had been exposed to potentially toxic agents. Efforts at reducing morbidity and mortality in severe NNJ should therefore be directed mainly, at the outpatient cases.