Clinico-Demographic Profile of Term Newborns Admitted with Respiratory Distress at a Tertiary Hospital in India

Abstract

Background: Respiratory distress (RD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Over the last three decades, significant improvements have been introduced to decrease the incidence, severity, and mortality of neonatal RD. This study aims to analyze the clinical and demographic profile of term newborns with RD and to explore associated risk factors and co-morbidities. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 250 term newborns (gestational age: 37 to 42 weeks) diagnosed with RD. The study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Santosh Medical College, over a one-year period from June 2018 to June 2019. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1. Among the admissions, 65% were term pregnancies and 35% were late-term pregnancies. Severe RD was observed in 10% of newborns, while 35% had moderate RD. There was a significant correlation between gestational period and RD severity (P = 0.024), and hospital stay also exhibited a significant association with RD severity (P = 0.001). Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was the most common maternal risk factor (25%), while sepsis was the most prevalent co-morbidity (23%). Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTNB) was the leading cause of RD, accounting for 47% of cases. Conclusions: A comprehensive clinical assessment and appropriate investigations are vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infants with RD. Swift identification of severe underlying conditions is essential for improving outcomes.