Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common cause of neonatal hospitalization and can be a sign of urinary tract infection during infancy. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the reasons for prolonged jaundice. This research aimed at studying the prevalence of urinary tract infection in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia admitted to Tonekabon Shahid Rajaei Hospital, 2015. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 259 infants. The samples were selected by census method. To diagnose the urinary tract infection, urine with a 2-cc syringe was taken by pediatrician through suprapubic method. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. UTI was identified in 18 (6.9%) neonates, including 10 (55.5%) boys and 8 (44.4%) girls. Urine culture revealed 12 E. coli spp. and 6 Proteus spp. Also, in 49 (91.18%) were found to have prolonged jaundice. Due to the prevalence of UTI in neonates, urine culture is suggested in all infants hospitalized for jaundice even in those without prolonged jaundice.