Clinical profile of neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit at a referral hospital in South India

Abstract

Introduction: A country’s health is measured in terms of infant mortality. The neonatal care was revolutionized after the inception of NHM. The reduction in mortality can be achieved by systematic approach to common diseases prevailing in the area and by applying the uniform treatment protocol to bring down the mortality. So, this study aims at identifying the morbidity and mortality pattern in a tertiary care referral center. Methodology: Hospital data based retrospective study from Jan’ 2016 to Dec’ 2017. Results: Total of 7108 neonates was analyzed. Male: female ratio was 1.25:1. Low birth weight babies accounted 48.91% and pre-term babies around 54.63%. Of this predominant were late preterm babies. Jaundice requiring photo therapy (21.97%) topped the list of morbidities followed by sepsis (19.27%) and respiratory distress (7.86%). Sepsis (24.93%), RDS (19.95%) and birth asphyxia (18.95%) were the leading causes of mortality. Overall mortality in this study was 11.28%. Conclusion: Hyper bilirubinemia, Sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome were the leading causes of morbidity. Neonatal sepsis can be prevented by enforcing strict hand hygiene and aseptic protocols. Low birth weight and prematurity were the significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. Hence antenatal programs to prevent prematurity and low birth weight babies should be strengthened.