Factors affecting neonatal respiratory distress syndrome at Wangaya General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The neonatal period is a crucial window at the start of life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 10% of all newborns require early respiratory support. Neonates with respiratory distress syndrome have a fourfold increased risk of death. Multiple maternal and neonatal risk factors affect the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome. This study aims to identify the relationship between method of delivery, maternal illness, premature rupture of membrane, amniotic fluid, low birth weight, gestational age, asphyxia, gender, multiple gestation, and perinatal infections towards the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in Wangaya General Hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study. Secondary data was collected from the medical record. The sample size was 56 neonates aged 0-28 days with respiratory distress and without. Univariate analysis using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. Results: Of the 114 neonates with respiratory distress, asphyxia (p < 0.001) and low birth weight (p = 0.014) were correlated with respiratory distress when analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Maternal factors analyzed in the study did not affect the incidence of respiratory distress. Conclusion: Neonatal factors of birth asphyxia and low birth weight increased the risk of development of respiratory distress syndrome, while maternal factors did not increase such risks. Limitations of the study include secondary data and a lack of analysis of other detrimental factors, such as the administration of antenatal corticosteroids.