Based on the present study, it appears that natural drying is a safe and effective means of umbilical cord care in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy induced Hypertension (PIH) is one of the common complications which contributes to significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Effective management improves outcome of both mother and the baby OBJECTIVES: To study the morbidity and mortality in babies born to mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension, assess the reasons for the outcome of the baby and monitor the growth and development till the age of 6 months. METHODS: This study was conducted at Niloufer Institute of Child Health, Hyderabad a teaching institution which caters to high risk obstetric patients and also has a tertiary level NICU care. Study was conducted over a period of 9 months and 100 cases of PIH were included over a period of 3 months and the babies were followed up till the age of 6 months. A structured proforma was designed and analyzed using Epi info for window statistical software. RESULTS: Out of 1461 deliveries, we enrolled 100 PIH cases as per inclusion criteria and studied during 3 months period. Of the study group, 48% were with mild PIH (n=48) and 52% were with severe PIH (n=52). When compared to mild PIH, severe PIH was associated with higher rates of preterm deliveries and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were 16 still births and 9 early neonatal deaths occurred with severe PIH. In small for gestational age babies, 6 had asymmetric IUGR and 8 had symmetric IUGR (Ponderal index >2). In NICU admissions Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), Hyaline membrane disease (HMD), Birth asphyxia (BA) and sepsis were observed. All the complications were more in severe PIH than mild PIH. After discharge infants were fallowed up till the age of 6 months. Out of 75 babies discharged, 24 cases were lost to follow up and in the remaining 51 babies, 33 were born to mild PIH mothers, 18 were born to severe PIH mothers. CONCLUSION: PIH is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the fetus and newborn. The more severe the PIH, the more adverse is the outcome. Our goal is early detection and prompts Management.