A multifactorial survey of neonatal juandice.

Concern about a neonatal jaundice rate of 8-6 per cent prompted a retrospective survey of 981 full term infants. There was a highly significant association between increased oxytocin dosage and neonatal jaundice in induced labours. A significant association was also demonstrated between neonatal jaundice and both breast-feeding and minor infections. No association was demonstrated between neonatal jaundice and the method of delivery of birth weight. The results of the survey suggest that while oxytocin in high doses should be used with caution, the benefits obtained from the drug outweigh the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia which it may cause.