Problems and Complications of Pre-term Infants in the Neonatal Unit

Abstract

Objective: To assess the complications of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit and
compare them with those faced by preterm infants in western setup.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted in Paediatrics department, Shaikh Zayed
Hospital Lahore. All neonates delivered before 37 weeks and admitted to the neonatal Intensive
care unit (NICU, SZH) were included in the study. The study population included 170 preterm
neonates. For the purpose of study, these infants were divided into three gestational age groups
i.e. < 30 weeks gestational age, 30 to 35 weeks gestational age, and > 35 weeks gestational age.
These neonates were then prospectively followed till discharge from NICU.
Results: Out of the 170 preterm infants admitted to NICU, 128 infants survived and were
discharged under stable conditions, while 42 infants expired. Maximum number of complications
and highest mortality i.e. 87% was seen among the most premature group, i.e. below 30 weeks
gestational age. Mortality in the gestational age group 30 to 35 weeks was 43%, while it was 9% in
the gestational group >35 weeks.
Conclusion: Mortality and risk of complications among preterm infants is inversely related to
age at birth.