Document Type : original article

Authors

1 DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS, MIMS MANDYA

2 DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS , FMMC , MANGALORE

10.22038/ijp.2024.58769.4600

Abstract

Background and objectives: Preterm birth is a major cause of death and a significant cause of long-term morbidity around the world. Complications of preterm birth are the single largest direct cause of neonatal deaths. There is a relative dearth of studies on short term outcomes of the preterm infants in Indian literature. The aim of this study is to find the outcome of preterms in terms of morbidity & mortality.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective descriptive study done in a tertiary hospital in south Karnataka. A sample size of minimum of 150 preterm babies (<37 completed weeks) was selected using purposive sampling technique. Multiple gestation and babies with congenital anomalies were excluded. The day of onset of symptoms, duration, appropriate therapeutic intervention done & time for resolution of symptoms or poor neonatal outcome (including death) was recorded upto discharge or till 1 month of admission, whichever is earlier.

Results: Most of the babies were late preterm, while 13.3% and 16.7% were moderate to very preterm respectively.8.7% babies required resuscitation at birth with 2% requiring intubation. hyperbilirubinaemia was seen in 66.7% babies. Hypoglycemia was seen in 3.3% babies. Respiratory distress was seen in 17.3% babies. Probable sepsis in 8% babies while culture proven sepsis was seen in 1.3% babies. Mortality was 8%.

Conclusion:

This study shows morbidities more in terms of metabolic issues namely hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Sepsis, RDS, NEC was comparatively low. Mortality was in line with the global statistics. But we still intend to institute adequate antenatal and postnatal care to improve the quality of outcome of premature babies.

Key words: Short term outcome, preterm, morbidity

Keywords