Risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

The purpose of this Historical Prospective Study was to analyze factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Data were collected from summary labour records and individual patients' records at Ramathibodi Hospital between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 1988. Of the 7,644 livebirths, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (> or = 15 mg/100 ml) occurred in 638 cases. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between hyperbilirubinemia and vacuum extraction (RR 2.7), preterm delivery (relative risk, RR 2.1), low birthweight (RR 2.0), antepartum complication (RR 1.7), intrapartum complications (RR 1.5), forceps delivery (RR 1.4), and oxytocin infusion (RR 1.3). No significant relationship emerged between hyperbilirubinemia and fetal sex, cesarean section, breech delivery and the 5 min Apgar score. From 1984 to 1988 there was a pronounced increase in the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Ramathibodi Hospital. This increase was consistent with the increase in use of oxytocin infusion which reflects changes in obstetric practice. Provision of information, education and communication about this adverse effect to obstetricians and auditing their use are suggested solutions.