Investigating the Effect of Maternal Risk Factors in Incidence of Neonatal Jaundice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Neonatology, Neonatal Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Lecturer of Midwifery, Islamic Azad University of Tonekabon, Tonekabon, Iran.

3 M.Sc. of Midwifery, Faculty of Paramedical, Islamic Azad University of Boroujerd, Boroujerd, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Jaundice is the most common cause of infants' hospitalization in the first month of life. Identify the maternal risk factors related to neonatal jaundice is helpful in identification of high risk infants and prevention of its complications. This study aimed at investigating maternal risk factors and mode of delivery in neonates with jaundice.
Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 2796 full term infants at age 3-29 days with jaundice in Ghaem hospital of Mashhad city during 2003 to 2011. After confirming diagnosis of jaundice in newborns, according to pediatrician and laboratory results, a questionnaire containing maternal demographic information, neonatal characteristics, maternal complications during pregnancy and mode of delivery were completed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19.5, t-test and chi-square test.
Results: Of 2796 term infants with jaundice, 1146 newborns (41%) had a history of maternal risk factors including hypertension (4.7%), vaginal bleeding (3.3%), diabetes (2.78%), premature rupture of membranes (2.7%) and urinary tract infection (0.8%). 464 newborns (58%) with a history of maternal risk factors were delivered by cesarean section and 337 infants (42%) by vaginal delivery.
Conclusion: Maternal risk factors including vaginal bleeding, hypertension, diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, urinary tract infection and also cesarean delivery is associated with neonatal jaundice. So if these problems occur in pregnancy, neonates should be followed in terms of jaundice.
 

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