Incidence, clinicalprofile and outcome of transient tachypnea of newborn

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory distress is a common problem in neonates necessitating admission. Transient tachypnea of newborn (TTNB) is most common after term cesarean delivery. It is characterized by the early onset of tachypnea with retractions, or expiratory grunting and, occasionally, cyanosis. Distinguishing the disease from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) andother respiratory disorders may be difficult, and TTNB is frequently a diagnosis of exclusion; the distinctive features of TTNB are rapid recovery of the infant and the absence of radiographic findings for RDS (hypoaeration, diffusereticulogranular pattern, air bronchograms) and other lung disorders.

Objective: To study incidence, clinical profile of TTNB and to identify clinical clues that may help inprediction of severity of disease and need for early intervention for better outcome in patients with TTNB.

Study design: This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary care institute in late preterm and term babies admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with respiratory distress during the study period.

Results: Total admissions during study period were 510 of which 22 Newborns had TTNB. The average gestational age of 36+ 1.2 weeks and birth weight of 2924 + 404 gm. Neonates were included in the study following inclusion criteria. Risk factors identified for TTNB includes caesarean section (most common), male sex, infant of diabetic mother. Outcome can be predicted based, on Downe’s score at presentation and time of development of respiratory distress after birth.

Conclusion: According to this study all late preterm and term newborn delivered through LSCS are at greater risk for developing TTNB and early development of respiratory distress and higher Downe’s score at presentation are associated with longer hospital stay.