Prevalence of Readmission for Hyperbilirubinemia in Healthy Newborns

The aim of this study was estimation of prevalence of jaundice readmission and observes neonatal jaundice risk factors in singleton infant with birth weight more than 2500 gr. This study was done among women who delivered a normal singleton infant with birth weight of ≥2500 gr in Najmieh Hospital, Tehran, from 2004-2005. Maternal age, race, blood group and Rh, drug consumption during pregnancy, oxytocin consumption during labour, rupture of membranes together with neonatal sex, weight, maturity, gravity and length of nursery stay were recorded. The infants were followed during neonatal period to see if they were readmitted, and the reason of admission. The prevalence of readmission for neonatal jaundice was assessed and the risk factors for neonatal jaundice were compared between the icteric and non-icteric babies. The prevalence of readmission because of jaundice was 12.6%. The maternal data recorded from all mother-baby pairs were not significantly different except for maternal race, Rh group and drug consumption during pregnancy. Arab mothers compared with other race groups had more icteric babies (P=0.001). Rh-negative mothers had more icteric infants (17.9%) compared with Rh-positive mothers (12%) (P=0.01). Premature infants were hospitalized significantly more than mature babies (20.3% versus 12.1%, P=0.04). The length of primary nursery stay differed significantly between two groups [mean (SD) 27 (9.8) hours for icterics versus 30 (2.5) hours for non-icterics, P<0.001]. The mean age of readmission was fifth postnatal day. We conclude that infants, especially infants of Arab or negative Rh group mothers and premature babies, discharged early from the nursery should be advised to visit a pediatrician within the next 48-72 hours of birth to avoid complications of severe jaundice.