Abstract P-337: CONVENTIONAL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN NEONATE: CHARACTERISTICS, RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN TRIPOLI, LIBYA

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: Neonatal period is a vulnerable time in which the newborn is susceptible to many diseases and complications. The aim of the study was to examine common indications and outcomes of neonates requiring mechanical ventilation and short-term mortality and morbidity following discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods A retrospective observational study conducted on 127 neonates, who required mechanical ventilation in a medical college tertiary neonatal care setting between 2010 and 2015. Data collected consisted of demographic characteristics, mode of mechanical ventilation, hypoxic-score, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of PICU and hospital stay. Follow up was noted as death or discharge. Results A total of 127 patients (80 boys and 47 girls). The common underlying disorders included airway/lung dysfunction (n = 55, 43.3%) and neurologic/neuromuscular diseases (n = 13, 10.2%). After instituting MV, 28 (22%) developed ventilation associated pneumonia and 14 (11%) developed pneumothorax. However, mortality rate at discharge was 43.3%. Significant risk factors for PICU mortality were inotrope use. Independent predictor of mortality at discharge point were inotrope use and duration of MV. Conclusions In this study, respiratory conditions followed by neurologic conditions were the leading causes of admission. Inotrope use and duration of MV are good predictors for evaluation of mortality risk in PICU. Also, the high mortality rate at hospital discharge that emphasizes the fact that attentiveness during the first day of life, improvement in preventing infection and early detection and treatment may go a long way in improving neonatal outcomes.