Neonatal and Maternal Risk Factors for Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia: A Cross-Sectional Study from Bahrain

RESULTS: Out of 555 records, 404 neonates were included. Among those, 209 (51%) were males and 275 (68.1%) were Bahraini. The median indirect bilirubin level at presentation was 218 (interquartile range, 174-270) μmol/L. ABO incompatibility was the commonest risk factor for neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia (n = 152, 37.6%) followed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (n = 130/400, 32.5%). Age (>25 years) was the commonest maternal risk factor (n = 331, 81.9%) followed by cesarean delivery (n = 137, 33.9%). Neonates with ABO incompatibility had a significantly higher mean indirect bilirubin level compared to those with other risk factors (234.9 ± 68.5 versus 225 ± 82.2 mmol/L, respectively) (P = 0.04). Phototherapy use significantly increased along with the rise of bilirubin level (P < 0.0001). Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and exchange transfusion were used in 44 (10.9%) and 14 (3.5%) patients, respectively. Neonates who received IVIG had significantly higher bilirubin levels than those who did not (P = 0.005). Male newborns (P = 0.008), Bahrainis (P = 0.001), those with reticulocytosis (P = 0.001), and those who received IVIG (P = 0.001) were more prone to have associated risk factors. CONCLUSION: ABO incompatibility, G6PD deficiency, and older maternal age were the commonest neonatal and maternal risk factors for developing neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Bahraini, male newborns, reticulocytosis, and IVIG use were associated with these factors. Early detection of such factors through screening can aid in immediate management to prevent serious complications of this common condition.