Publication: Preterm Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Prematurity is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income and middle-income countries like Nepal. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its burden. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among preterm neonates at a tertiary care hospital between July 15, 2022 to July 14, 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: F-NMC/557/078-079). Neonates with gestational age less than 37 weeks were included in the study. Total sampling method was used.
Results: Among 980 neonates admitted to intensive care unit, preterm neonates were 112 (11.43%). A total of 69 (61.61%) preterm neonates were outborn, and 65 (58.04%) were male. The median gestational age and birth weight were 32 weeks (interquartile range: 30- 34 weeks) and 1500 gm (interquartile range: 1300-1800 gm), respectively. There were 60 (53.57%) neonates with sepsis, 51 (45.54%) with neonatal jaundice and 38 (33.93%) with respiratory distress. Death occurred in 12 (10.71%) preterm neonates in the hospital.
Conclusions: The prevalence of preterm neonates was similar to other studies done in similar settings.
Description
Dhirendra Prasad Yadav
Department of Pediatrics, National Medical College, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal
Vivek Kumar
Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
Shweta Kumari Shah
Department of Pediatrics, National Medical College, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal
Kishor Shah
Department of Pediatrics, Janaki Medical College, Janakpur, Dhanusha, Nepal