Urinary tract infection presenting as jaundice in neonates

Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia is a common finding during the first postnatal week. Physiologicaljaundice occurs in first week of life in 60% of term and 80% of premature neonates. Non physiologic or pathologic jaundice occurs in 5-10% of newborns which require intervention. According to AAP guidelines laboratory investigation for jaundice include total serum bilirubin, blood Type and coombs test and if the baby has an elevation of direct reacting or conjugated bilirubin, there should be a urine analysis and urine culture. Here we are presenting 5 cases that developed indirect hyperbilirubinaemia and routine workup done according to AAP guidelines were normal. On extensive investigation all cases found to have urinary tract infection despite of having indirect bilirubin and they needed course of antibiotics according to sensitivities and follow up ultrasound. From our experience we suggest that UTI should be considered as a cause of neonatal jaundice especially when indirect bilirubin peaks after one week of life at mean age of 10.8 ± 2.38 days.