Hematological profile in neonatal jaundice

BACKGROUND: Neonatal morbidity due to neonatal jaundice is an alarming situation, which needs to be detected and managed at the earliest possible. Many different etiologies come into play together, and at times, it is difficult to isolate the cause of neonatal jaundice. Certain diagnostic tests such as hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte count, leukocyte count, and blood grouping might hasten the diagnosis. This study analyzes the different parameters of hematological profile and how they influence the various etiologies of neonatal jaundice. METHODS: One hundred jaundiced neonates admitted to the pediatric care unit of MKCG Medical Hospital, Odisha, were considered as subjects for this study. Blood tests were done, and accordingly, the neonates were grouped into three depending on the leukocyte count, reticulocyte count, and hemoglobin levels. Blood grouping of mother and baby was done to see the pattern of ABO incompatibility. RESULTS: Physiological jaundice cases showed no significant variations in hematological profile, while jaundice due to ABO incompatibility, septicemia, Rh incompatibility, intracranial hemorrhage, and G6PD deficiency had anemia, reticulocytosis, and leukocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results can be used for early and simple investigation method for the diagnosis of neonatal jaundice.