title: Urinary tract infection and indirect hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Jaundice is a common problem during the neonatal period. About 60% of the full term and 80% of premature infants develop jaundice. It can be associated with serious illnesses such as Urinary tract infections.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of urinary tract infection in newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia and to find a relationship with prolonged jaundice.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively evaluated asymptomatic, jaundiced neonates for evidence of a urinary tract infection. Data reviewed including demographic and historical data were included with data of blood studies, radiological evaluation and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  32 neonates of 152 cases had urinary tract infection. Most commonly isolated organisms were Klebsiella and Escherishia coli. Maximum duration of phototherapy was 4 days in the urinary tract infection group versus 7 in the non-urinary tract infection group. Intensive phototherapy was used in 18.7% in the urinary tract infection group versus 29.16% in the non-urinary tract infection group. None of the newborns in the urinary tract infection group underwent exchange transfusion therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Urinary tract infection can occur in asymptomatic, jaundiced newborns. Thus, it may be the first in these babies before other signs become evident.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Makassed General Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Chamdine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Omar
authors.forename: Shadi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hamza
authors.forename: Abou Merhi
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bassem
authors.forename: Rajab
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mariam