Prediction of Urinary Tract Infection in Neonates with Unexplained Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Background: Neonates with urinary tract infection  (UTI) are susceptible to higher rates of morbidity and mortality, specifically when presented with hyperbilirubinemia. Screening for UTIs in jaundiced neonates is a cost-effective strategy. The aims of this study were to investigate the pattern of UTI (prevalence, etiology, and susceptible antimicrobial agents) in neonates admitted to the NICU with unexplained indirect hyperbilirubinemia, as well as to identify early predictors of UTI in order to reduce the present morbidity and long-term consequences in NICU patients. . Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study that included 140 neonates diagnosed with unexplained indirect hyperbilirubinemia in the first 4 weeks of life. A questionnaire was applied to obtain demographic and clinical data. A number of laboratory parameters were assessed with clinical examination. Bacterial growth of 1 × 103 colony-forming units/mL of a single uropathogen was used to identify the existence of UTI. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the predicting factors of UTIs. Results: In the NICU group investigated, 25.7% of subjects had a culture-proved UTI. The most frequently  isolated organism was Escherichia coli. Amikacin was the most common antibiotic that the isolates were susceptible to. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, a positive urine culture was statistically associated with an increase in  WBCs  (OR= 6.90, p= 0.001), pyuria (OR= 5.55, p= 0.001), small for gestational age (OR= 4.07, p= 0.021), prolonged phototherapy duration (OR= 3.50, p= 0.034), and the presence of obstetric complications (OR= 2.92, p= 0.001). Conclusion: UTI is substantially prevalent among neonates admitted to the NICU with unexplained indirect hyperbilirubinemia. The importance of routine UTI screening (urine culture)  as part of the clinical assessment of unexplained hyperbilirubinemia was highlighted in this study, particularly in neonates with leukocytosis, pyuria, small for gestational age, prolonged phototherapy, and those born from mothers with a history of obstetric complications.