Epidemiology of Neonatal Jaundice and Exchange Transfusion Outcomes at Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State

Neonatal jaundice is a common and potentially preventable cause of neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental disability in Nigeria, with exchange transfusion remaining a critical intervention in cases of severe hyperbilirubinaemia. This study examines the epidemiology of neonatal jaundice and the outcomes of exchange transfusion at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State, in the North East zone. A retrospective cross-sectional design is applied to neonatal unit records from 2018 to 2023. Data include gestational age, birth weight, day of jaundice onset, serum bilirubin at presentation and exchange, ABO and Rh blood group incompatibility status, number of exchange transfusions, and discharge outcomes including survival and readmission for phototherapy relapse. SPSS is used for descriptive analysis. Available neonatal literature from North East Nigeria identifies ABO incompatibility and G6PD deficiency as the leading identifiable causes of severe neonatal jaundice requiring exchange transfusion, with outcomes worsened by delayed referral from peripheral facilities. The American Academy of Paediatrics bilirubin nomogram guides threshold classification. Findings will support advocacy for phototherapy equipment procurement at referring health centres and for G6PD screening protocols at birth. Keywords: neonatal jaundice, exchange transfusion, hyperbilirubinaemia, Taraba State, North East Nigeria.