Assessment of Various Maternal Risk Factors and Treatment Approaches for Neonatal Jaundice in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The study objectives were to evaluate the neonatal jaundice treatment approach and identify various risk factors associated with the occurrence of neonatal jaundice. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out for 6 months at St. Philomena's Hospital. Researchers reviewed patients` medication charts and collected the data for further analysis. Patients` medication charts also were monitored for the occurrence of any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Results: A total of 100 babies met inclusion criteria. The majority of babies were male (56%). Sixteen neonates (16%) were born with low birth weight, 11% of all neonates were preterm, and 42% of babies had O +ve blood group. Maternal-related risk factors analysis showed that 58% of women were between 26-35 years, 44% were overweight, 53% of women were in their first gravida, and 52% of mothers were delivered by C-Section. Overall, 100 (82.6%), 11 (9.1%), 6 (5%), 3 (2.5%), 1 (0.8%) neonates received phototherapy, ursodeoxycholic acid (UCDA), phenobarbital, exchange transfusion, and intravenous immunoglobulins respectively. We detected 15 ADRs and 14 DDIs associated with the management of neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy-induced ADR (46.6%) and interaction between UCDA-sucralfate (35.7%) were the most common identified treatment-related issues. Conclusion: Neonatal and maternal risk factors may involve in the development of neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy remained the most desirable therapeutic approach. Although the neonatal treatment approach is safe, a review of prescribed medications can give insight into the appropriate usage of medications among this vulnerable cohort.