Mortality and Morbidity in Hospitalized Preterm Neonates

Abstract

Objective: To determine pattern of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized preterm neonates.
Material and Methods: All preterm babies presenting to the Neonatology Ward of Services
Hospital except those with major congenital malformations were selected for the study. A
predesigned proforma was used to record clinical data on presentation. This included physical
characteristics like gestational age, weight, gender, presenting complaints. The profroma was
updated on daily basis to make note of any clinical problems or complications arising during the
course of hospital stay till outcome (discharge, leave against medical advice or death). Note was
made of respiratory complications, infections, metabolic, neurological and hematological
problems and complications related to feeding and weight gain. The data was subsequently
computed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 14 by
the authors.
Results: Three hundred and one preterm babies ranging in gestational age from 22 to 36 weeks
(mean 31.2 SD +/- 2.9) were included in the study. The overall mortality was 53.8%. Survival was
significantly better in more mature, larger babies and those who could be started successfully on
enteral feed. Most deaths were encountered within the first 7 days of admission. The chances of
survival increased significantly with longer duration of admission. There was no significant
difference in mortality between males and females. Respiratory distress was the commonest
admitting complaint seen in 46.5% cases. During hospital stay respiratory problems (requiring
varying degree of ventilatory support) were seen most frequently, followed by metabolic
complications and infection related morbidity.
Conclusion: Prematurity is associated with significant mortality and morbidity seen in
hospitalized neonates.