Author(s): Abdul Wahid Bhat, Churoo BA, Qazi Iqbal, Sheikh MA, Javeed Iqbal, Rubina Aziz
Although the value of exchange transfusion in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinae-mia is recognized, the procedure has some risks and complications. Medical records of 92 newborns who under went exchange transfusion between September 2006 and August 2008 at Sher-I-Kashmir institute of medical sciences Soura Srinagar Kashmir were studied to de-termine the cause of jaundice and adverse events associated with neonatal exchange transfu-sion performed for hyperbilirubinemia. ABO incompatibility was the commonest cause for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and was found in 25% followed by Rh. incompatibility in 21.3%. None was found to have G6PD deficiency. Complications fallowing exchange trans-fusion were found in 20.7% neonates. Thrombocytopenia was found in 6%, Hypocalcaemia in 4.3%, Bradycardia, seizures, disseminated intravascular coagulation, Cardio respiratory arrest, hypoxia, necrotizing enter colitis and apnea were found in 1% each. The over all mortality observed was 2.1%. The majorities of adverse events associated with exchange transfusion were laboratory abnormalities and were asymptomatic and treatable.