Evaluation of Respiratory Support Methods and Characteristics of Pneumothorax in Late Preterm and Term Newborns within the First 48 hours of Life

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate risk factors, respiratory support procedures, and characteristics of pneumothorax in late preterm and term newborns diagnosed with pneumothorax within the first 48 hours of life. The study included late preterm and term newborns diagnosed with pneumothorax within the first 48 hours of life. The neonates diagnosed with pneumothorax within the first 24 hours of life (Group 1) and those diagnosed between 24 and 48 hours (Group 2) were analyzed in terms of risk factors, respiratory support procedures, and characteristics of pneumothorax. Twenty newborns, 11 in Group 1 and 9 in Group 2, with a mean gestational age of 37.9 ± 1.2 weeks and birth weight of 3,133 ± 464 g, were included the study. The resuscitation rate in the delivery room was insignificantly higher in Group 1. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of respiratory support methods (mechanical ventilation [MV], noninvasive ventilation, oxygen) on admission and at the time of diagnosis. The rate of receiving MV during treatment was significantly higher in Group 2 (p = 0.014). Although duration of MV and chest drainage were significantly shorter in Group 1 (p = 0.026 and p = 0.026, respectively), when we considered only survivors (all three deceased newborns died within the first day of life), these durations were still shorter; however, the difference was no longer significant. Pneumothorax should be suspected in late preterm and term newborns with respiratory distress within the first 2 days of life, especially in the presence of risk factors.