Etiological Profile of Hyperbilirubinemia in Full Term Neonates Requiring Exchange Transfusion

Muhammad Faizullah  Khan; Asif  Nawaz; Wajid  Khan; Vildan Zaheer  Abbasi; Sadiq  Amin; Farhan Zeb  Khan

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i5.1736

Authors

Muhammad Faizullah Khan Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital (MTI) Abbottabad, Pakistan
Asif Nawaz Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital (MTI) Abbottabad, Pakistan
Wajid Khan Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital (MTI) Abbottabad, Pakistan
Vildan Zaheer Abbasi Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital (MTI) Abbottabad, Pakistan
Sadiq Amin Department of Paediatrics, Khyber Teaching Hospital (MTI), Peshawar, Pakistan
Farhan Zeb Khan Department of Paediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex (MTI), Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i5.1736

Keywords:

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, exchange transfusion, ABO incompatibility, Rh incompatibility, G6PD deficiency

Abstract

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, characterized by elevated serum bilirubin, is common in full-term neonates, with severe cases requiring exchange transfusion to prevent complications like kernicterus. This study explores the etiological factors necessitating this intervention at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Objective: To identify and analyze etiological factors of hyperbilirubinemia requiring exchange transfusion in full-term neonates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Neonatology Unit, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from 2 December 06 May 2025, enrolling 385 full-term neonates (gestational age 37–42 weeks) with serum bilirubin >19.5 mg/dL. Data on demographics, clinical profiles, and etiologies were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: ABO incompatibility (36.1%) was the leading cause, followed by Rh incompatibility (24.2%), G6PD deficiency (11.7%), sepsis (10.6%), and intracranial bleeding (3.4%). Unidentified causes accounted for 14.0%. Most neonates (93.8%) were discharged stable post-transfusion. Conclusion: ABO and Rh incompatibilities predominate, highlighting the need for enhanced antenatal screening and early neonatal surveillance to reduce exchange transfusion necessity.

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