Factors affecting neonatal jaundice

Abstract

Plasma bilirubin was estimated on 690 term infants on about the 6th day of life. Perinatal factors were recorded and the results analysed. Hyperbilirubinaemia was defined as a level >205 μmol/l (12 mg/100 ml) and this was present in 20% of cases. Three factors - epidural analgesia, breast feeding, and poor weight recovery - showed highly significant associations with jaundice. The relative importance of these is discussed and compared with recent reports. Induction of labour, for reasons other than postmaturity, and gestational age <39 weeks showed a slightly increased incidence of jaundice. There was no correlation with other factors tested including oxytocic drug administration. Despite the high incidence (20%) of hyperbilirubinaemia, only 2.5% infants needed treatment and none required exchange transfusion. Radical changes in obstetric management or infant feeding are not indicated.