Neonatal jaundice in Algeria: Epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic insights from a retrospective study of 309 cases

DAOUDI et al.: NEONATAL JAUNDICE IN ALGERIA

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions requiring hospitalization in newborns. While it’s clinical patterns are well characterized in developed countries, limited data exist from North Africa, particularly Algeria. Identifying local risk factors and outcomes is crucial to guide neonatal care and prevention strategies. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical characteristics, etiologies, and risk factors of neonatal jaundice in 309 infants admitted to the Pediatric Department of Emir Abdelkader Oued-Zenati Public Hospital (Guelma, Algeria) between April 2019 and January 2023, based on epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data. Within the cohort, 58.9% were male, with jaundice onset most frequently between day 2 and 7 of life (66.3%). Most cases (96.8%) involved term infants, although preterm neonates presented with higher bilirubin levels. The mean serum bilirubin was 166.47 ± 46.36 µmol/L, and the average hospital stay was 2.6 days. ABO incompatibility was identified in 19 cases, while Rh isoimmunization was observed in 19 cases, mainly involving Rh-negative mothers and Rh-positive infants. All neonates received phototherapy (82.7% conventional,
17.2% intensive). Significant associations were found between bilirubin levels and sex (p = 0.000), and between mode of delivery and infection (p = 0.001). Prolonged hospitalization was linked to cesarean delivery (p = 0.002) and leukocytosis
(p = 0.001). Neonatal jaundice remains a prevalent condition in Algeria, with blood group incompatibility,
Rh isoimmunization, and perinatal infections as major risk factors. Cesarean delivery and leukocytosis were predictive of longer hospital stay, underscoring the value of early risk stratification to improve neonatal outcomes.