Keywords
Outcome
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Factors
How to Cite
Abstract
The first 28 days of an infant's life are considered the neonatal phase. Neonatal admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit are crucial in healthcare settings, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, where every day approximately 675 babies under one month die from preventable complications. Each year, around 246300 newborn deaths were recorded. This study aims to identify factors associated with neonatal admissions to the NICU and their outcomes at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad.
Methods
The prospective observational study was conducted among admitted neonates in the NICU of Liaquat University Hospital. The data were obtained through a purposive method from patient guardians and patient records using a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was employed to predict the relationship between the dependent and independent variables of this study. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were used to present these associations, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total of 276 neonates were included in this study. Of the neonates, 64.5% were male, 74.3% were from rural areas, and 55.1% were delivered via caesarean section. The overall neonatal death rate was 41.9%. The major reasons for neonatal admission were respiratory distress syndrome, 34.1%, neonatal sepsis, 20.7% and pneumonia, 12.3%. RDS was the leading death-causing factor. The study found that factors such as preterm birth, low birth weight, being small for gestational age, insufficient antenatal care, and maternal health complications were significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
This study conclude that respiratory distress syndrome is the primary reason for admissions and deaths in the NICU. Understanding the reasons for admission to NICU and predictors for neonatal mortality is significant for planning health services, improving the quality of care and reducing neonatal mortality rate. The study recommends enhanced prenatal care, early identification of high-risk neonates, and improved neonatal care facilities to reduce mortality and improve outcomes.