Abstract
Background: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a common and serious complications in preterm infants, primarily due to a deficiency of pulmonary surfactant. Premature infants, especially those born before 34 weeks, are highly susceptible. In developing countries like Pakistan, RDS burden is exacerbated by limited access to care, delayed referrals, and insufficient prenatal corticosteroid use. Early identification and intervention can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: The study aims to assess the hematological profiles of preterm infants in critical care settings, identifying patterns in blood parameters related to clinical outcomes like survival and disease severity.
Methodology: A total of 120 preterm neonates were admitted to the neonatal ward at Shaikh Ziad Hospital, PEADS Larkana, over a three-month period. Clinical data were also extracted, complete blood counts were taken, and the data were grouped and analyzed based on the underlying diagnosis of RDS. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data, which included mean, chi-square test, and ANOVA tests; a P value of less than 0.05 was deemed significant.
Results: The study involved 120 infants, with 86.7% successfully discharged, with male infants accounting for 60.8% of admissions. Most were preterm, with 66 born preterm. Most infants were delivered at the hospital, with cesarean section being the most common. Most infants were admitted within the first 24 hours of life. The study found that the hematological profiles of healthy and deceased infants were significantly different, with lower hemoglobin levels, reduced red blood cell counts, higher white blood cell counts, and lower corpuscular volume, suggesting potential hematologic instability.
Conclusion: The study shows that most neonates admitted to critical care responded well to treatment and were discharged, with males being more common. Hematological analysis showed normocytic blood profile.