Clinical Spectrum of Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity in Developing Country

Abstract

Introduction: Large number of preterm and term neonates admitted in Neonatology Intensive Care Units (NICU) in developing countries have respiratory morbidity that can contribute towards Chronic Lung Disease in Adulthood Aims and Objectives: To explore the Clinical Spectrum of Respiratory Morbidity and heterogeneity of Risk factors in term Neonates admitted in Neonatology Intensive Care Units (NICU) in Developing Country

Methods: 250 term newborns admitted during the period of 1year from 2015-2016 at Neonatology Intensive Care Units (NICU) at Department of Pediatrics at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Science (BPKIHS), university teaching hospital in Nepal were enrolled. Routine clinical care was done according to NRP guidelines 2015 and Respiratory morbidity and distress was monitored throughout the hospital stay by using Downe’s scoring system. Heterogeneity in Risk factors and Clinical Patterns of Respiratory Morbidity was ascertained by analyzing clinico-demographic profile and utilizing all the available diagnostic parameters. Basic descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: Among the 250 term newborns, 63 % were boys and 65 % were appropriate for gestational age. 118(47 %) had Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, 58 (23%) had Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS), 27(11%) had Congenital Pneumonia, 18 (7%). Maternal Factor contributed as the risk factor for respiratory morbidity in 30 % of cases. Sepsis and Asphyxia were strong risk factors even in term neonates

Conclusions: There is a wide Clinical Spectrum of Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity among newborns admitted at NICU in developing countries that is being contributed by preventable heterogeneous risk factors.