The Causes and Risk Factors in Patients with Kernicterus Referred to the Clinic of Pediatric Neurology during the Years 2011 to 2016

Background: Neonatal jaundice has potentially severe side effects such as kernicterus. Prevention of kernicterus and hyperbilirubinemia is based on finding neonates with risk factors and starting treatment as soon as possible. Therefore, this study aimed to determine some causes and risk factors of kernicterus. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study on patients referred to the clinic of pediatric neurology during the years 2011 to 2016. Reviewing patients' medical records and information was done. Quantitative data were reported as mean ± standard deviation and median, and qualitative data as frequency and percentage. Findings: In this study, 19 clinical records were reviewed, with a mean age of 6.60 ± 4.29 years; of them, 78.9% were boys; 63.2% birthed term; 57.9% birth with natural vaginal delivery; and 52.6% had a positive family history of neonatal jaundice. The most common causes of hyperbilirubinemia were ABO and Rh incompatibility and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. 84.2% were treated with exchange transfusion and 15.8% with medical management. The mean age of the mothers when neonate born was 26.30 ± 3.98 years. The mean level of bilirubin level was 34.40 ± 10.46 mg/dl. Mean time of delay treatment was 1.10 ± 0.95 day. Conclusion: Kernicterus in most cases can be prevented. Most common cause of kernicterus was the late diagnosis of families. To prevent kernicterus, it is necessary to implement a systematic after-birth care plan for neonates by qualified healthcare professionals.