Pattern of Early Neonatal Morbidities in Moderate and Late Pre-terms

Abstract

Objective: The present study is an attempt to analyze the data on the pattern of early neonatal morbidities among moderate and late preterm infants of 32 full weeks of gestation to 36+6 weeks’ gestational age in a tertiary care teaching hospital with a level III NICU, Chinna Kakani, A.P.

Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of all live born preterms of 32+0– 36+6 GA, who were admitted between January, 2015 to April, 2016, over a period of 16 months. Data collected from hospital medical records of neonates were reviewed and analyzed statistically.

Results: Of total of 3067 deliveries conducted, 930 babies were admitted in NICU for various reasons. Of total admissions to NICU 125 (13%) infants were termed as moderate and late preterms after checking their GA and analyzed for the spectrum of early neonatal morbidities during their stay in hospital. Of total 125 babies, 58%(n=68) were moderate preterms and 45%(n=57) were late preterms, 75% (n=94) of them were AGA and 25%(n=32) were SGA. Of them, 62% (n=77) were delivered by LSCS while 38%(n=48) were delivered by NVD. Male infants comprised of 54% (n=67) while females were 46%(n=58). The mean weight at birth was 1.86 kg. Around 62% (n=78) of babies were observed for RD, of which 28% (n=35) required CPAP and 23%(n=29) for mechanical ventilation,18%(n=23) had apneas. Most common metabolic abnormality was hyper bilirubinemia at 44% (n=55) requiring phototherapy. Around 7% (N=9) received parenteral nutrition, NEC observed in 3%(n=3). Maternal co morbid conditions were associated in about 60% of cases.

Conclusion: Moderate preterms were significantly at a higher risk for over all morbidities, longer duration of hospital stays and at a high risk for mortality when compared to late preterms. Moderate and late preterm infants place high demands on specialist neonatal services.