Rebound hyperbilirubinemia in a sample of newborns with jaundice

Abstract

Background and objectives: Neonatal jaundice represents a prevalent public health problem in Erbil city. Rebound jaundice after termination of phototherapy is common and related to many factors, so the aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of rebound jaundice among neonates after termination of phototherapy and identifying any associated factors. Method:A cross sectional study was conducted in Neonatal Care Unit of Raparin Teaching Hospital in Erbil during the period from 1st of September, 2018 to 28th of February, 2019 on sample of 100 neonates with jaun- dice. The selected neonates were followed for up to 72 hours after discharge from hospital. Total serum bilirubin levels of neonates were measured at admission, on discharge and within 72 hours of phototherapy termination. Results:The rebound jaundice was present in 20% of neonates after stopping the phototherapy. Those were significantly related to certain socioeconomic and clinical data like (male gender, prematurity, low birth weight, Glucose-6-phosphate de- hydrogenase deficiency, higher total serum bilirubin at admission, lower total serum bilirubin at discharge, low hemo- globin, high reticulocyte counts and shorter phototherapy duration). Conclusions:The prevalence of rebound jaundice after termination of phototherapy was high. So follow up is mandatory within 72 hours of phototherapy termination.