Publication: Birth Asphyxia among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Birth asphyxia causes significant morbidity and mortality among neonates, especially in low-income and middle-income countries like Nepal. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its burden. This study aimed to find the prevalence of birth asphyxia among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates at a tertiary care hospital between 15 January 2022 to 14 January 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Neonates with gestational age ≥35 weeks were included and those with major congenital anomalies were excluded. A convenience sampling method was used. A point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.
Results: Among 902 neonates, 120 (13.30%) (11.08-15.52, 95% Confidence Interval) had birth asphyxia. A total of 108 (90%) were outborn, and 84 (70%) were males. HIE stage-I, II and III were seen in 47 (39.17%), 64 (53.33%) and 9 (7.50%) of the asphyxiated neonates respectively. Poor suck 92 (76.67%), seizures 73 (60.83%) and lethargy 70 (58.33%) were common abnormal neurological findings. Death occurred in 15 (12.50%) neonates in the hospital.
Conclusions: The prevalence of birth asphyxia was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings. The high burden underscores an urgent need to implement better perinatal care and delivery room management practices.
Description
Dhirendra Prasad Yadav
Department of Pediatrics, National Medical College Teaching Hospital, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal
Vivek Kumar
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
Manoj Kumar Gupta
Department of Pediatrics, National Medical College Teaching Hospital, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal