Abstract P-078: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) AT A TERTIARY REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN HARARE

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: The NICU was closed in October 2017 due to increased mortality resulting from an outbreak of hospital acquired neonatal sepsis. The NICU was re-opened after implementation of recommendations from an outbreak investigation. This study investigated the factors associated with mortality in the NICU since re-opening. Methods I Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using data routinely collected in the unit from June to December 2017. II Setting and Participants: A NICU at a tertiary referral hospital in a resource limited setting. III Interventions: Respiratory support is provided with supplementary oxygen via nasal prongs, Nasal bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP) via a Pumani machine or invasive ventilation via endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Antibiotics are provided for cases with sepsis. IV Main Outcome Measure: Discharge or Death Results Data was obtained from 63 admissions, 60 had complete data that was analyzed. Significant risk factors for mortality were the use of invasive ventilation (pOR 7.64: 95% CI 2.23–26.2) and a very low birth weight of 1000-1499g (pOR 6.68; 95% CI 1.97–22.6). Sepsis developed in the unit was not a significant risk factor for mortality.Conclusions Invasive ventilation was associated with an increased risk of mortality when compared to other methods of respiratory support. Very low birth weight babies also had an increased risk of mortality.