Frequency of Kernicterus in Rh Incompatibility after Receiving Effective Phototherapy and Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To compare Frequency of Kernicterus in Rh incompatibility after receiving effective phototherapy and Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Special Care Baby Unit, Department of Pediatrics Medicine, HMC, Peshawar from January, 2021 to June, 2021.

Materials and Methods: A total of 152 neonates with jaundiced due to Rh incompatibility and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study and were randomly assigned to two groups A and B. Phototherapy and Immunoglobulin therapy was used for group A and B respectively. The patients were observed for response to therapy.  .Data was analyzed by SPSS version 23.

Results: Majority of the individuals were male that is 71.1% in group B while females were more (65.8%) in group A. mean age of neonates in group A (phototherapy) were 13.67±6.46 days and group B (IVIG) were 14.18±5.94 days respectively.  Mean duration of jaundice in group A was 3.76±1.24 days compared to group B 3.78±1.11 days. Mean gestational age was observed as 35.63±2.33 and 36.53±1.99 weeks at birth.

Kernicterus was more prevalent in group A (69.7%). Gestational age was found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with kernicterus. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was found more effective (p<0.05) therapy.

Conclusion: Immunoglobulin therapy is more effective in reducing the number of Kernicterus in neonates with hemolytic diseases of the newborn.