The Relationship between Jaundice and Weight Loss after Birth in Neonates Referring to the KOSAR Hospital, Qazvin-Iran

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the association between the incidence of neonatal jaundice and the weight loss of newborns in postnatal days. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 infants with jaundice were examined. The required information was obtained from the medical records. In this study, newborns were divided into two groups based on hyperbilirubinemia. Bilirubin level was compared in two groups on the fourth day of referral. Effect of weight loss was determined on hyperbilirubinemia by logistic regression. Results: The study compared 137 healthy neonates with 53 hyperbilirubinemic neonates, finding significantly greater weight loss (0.25±0.18 kg vs. 0.09±0.11 kg, P<0.001) and higher bilirubin levels (17.13±1.05 vs. 12.60±1.89 mg/dL, P<0.001) in the latter group. Hyperbilirubinemic neonates had younger mothers (27.23±3.26 vs. 28.63±3.21 years, P=0.007), lower nulliparity (60.4% vs. 75.9%, P=0.033), and higher breastfeeding rates (96.2% vs. 18.6%, P<0.001). Logistic regression confirmed weight loss as a strong predictor (aOR=2.14×106, P<0.001), with ROC analysis showing high diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.86-0.88). Optimal cutoffs were 0.175 kg (89% sensitivity) and 4.95% weight loss (91% sensitivity). Maternal and neonatal blood groups also influenced risk. Conclusion: Neonates at risk need to be more closely monitored for jaundice and weighting, thus, early detection and timely treatment can be done.