The prevalence of neonatal jaundice due To Rh isoimmunization and ABO incompatibilityAdmitted to the maternity and children Teaching hospital in Al-diwaniya city

Abstract

Jaundice is a common neonatal problem. 65% of newborns develop clinical jaundice with bilirubin level above 5 mg/ dl during the first week of life. Hyperbilirubinemia can be toxic, with high level resulting in encephalopathy known as Kernicterus. Rh and ABO incompatibility are one of the causes of neonatal jaundice due to immune hemolysis of RBC in infants. The aim of the study was to measure the prevalence of the neonatal jaundice caused by Rh and ABO incompatibility and identify the type of therapy they received, and to find the relation of gestational age with the cause of jaundice and their treatment, also with the incidence of exchange transfusion to each one (find the relation of Term or Preterm babies with ABO or Rh incompatibility as causes of their jaundice). A total number of 55 neonates who were admitted to the maternity and children teaching hospital in Al-Diwaniya city were studied for the incidence of ABO and Rh incompatibility as causes of neonatal jaundice. Their treatment also subjected to the study. The study found that the prevalence of neonatal jaundice due to ABO incompatibility were 81.8% and due to Rh isoimmunazation were 56.3%, and due to both were 38.1%. 65.4% male and 34.5% female with M: F ratio 1.8:1. 80% of full-term babies their jaundice due to ABO incompatibility where as 86.6% of preterm babies their jaundice due to Rh isoimmunization. All babies with jaundice treated with phototherapy, 15 patients (27.2%) were treated with exchange transfusion and 15 patients (27.2%) were treated with both (phototherapy and ET).Neonatal jaundice due to Rh isoimmunization is less frequent and more sever than due to ABO incompatibility and mostly required exchange transfusion particularly if the neonate is preterm. Anti-D is most important and effective therapy for prevention of Rh isoimmunization, maternal education is required.