Profile and Outcome of Neonatal Respiratory Distress: A Single-center Study

Abstract

Background: Respiratory distress (RD) is one of the common indications of hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit. Due to recent advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment, there is a need for data on the current profile and outcome of neonatal RD (NRD). Aims: To determine the clinical presentation, causes, risk factors, severity, and outcome of NRD. Patients and Methods: All neonates who presented with signs of RD were enrolled. Neonatal data such as birth weight, mode of delivery, gestational age, saturation on room air, mode of oxygen therapy, and onset and severity of RD were noted in predesigned pro forma. The severity of RD in term and pre-term neonates was assessed by Downe’s score and Silverman–Anderson’s score, respectively. Relevant investigations and treatment were started as per standard protocol. Results: The most common cause of NRD was RD syndrome (29%). Chest indrawing was the most prevalent sign of RD (90.0%). There was no significant association of gestational age with the severity of RD (P = 0.140), but the birth weight was significantly associated with the severity of RD (P = 0.002). Severe RD was associated with extreme prematurity, meconium-stained amniotic fluid and birth weight of <1.5 kg. The mortality rate was 12%, with meconium aspiration syndrome and RD syndrome being the common causes. Conclusions: Whatever the cause, RD can proceed to respiratory failure and death if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated. Therefore, any clinician providing care for neonates must be able to quickly identify the symptoms and degree of RD, distinguish between different aetiologies, and begin treatment plans to avoid future complications or mortality.