Clinical Profile and Causes of Neonatal Jaundice in Pakistan: A Hospital-Based Study from Indus Hospital Badin, Sindh

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common clinical conditions encountered during the neonatal period. Although physiological jaundice accounts for the majority of cases, pathological causes such as neonatal sepsis and hemolytic disorders remain significant contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. To determine the clinical profile and etiological factors associated with neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to the Pediatric Department of Indus Hospital, Badin, Sindh. A hospital-based descriptive study was conducted among 200 neonates diagnosed with jaundice. Demographic characteristics, age of onset, gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, presenting symptoms, and underlying causes were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Among 200 neonates, 65% were males and 35% females. Most newborns (71%) developed jaundice after 72 hours of birth, while only 15% developed jaundice within the first 24 hours. Physiological jaundice was the leading cause (43%), followed by breastfeeding jaundice (21%), idiopathic jaundice (12.5%), neonatal sepsis (10%), Rh incompatibility (7.5%), and hemolytic anemia (6%). The commonest presenting symptom was jaundice associated with refusal of feeds (33%), followed by yellowish discoloration with good activity (23%), delayed crying (19%), fever (12.5%), and vomiting (12.5%). Physiological jaundice remains the predominant cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, infectious and hemolytic causes constitute an important proportion requiring early recognition and prompt management. Early neonatal assessment and parental education may reduce complications associated with severe neonatal jaundice.