Abstract
Objective:To describe characteristics and outcomes of Jordanian newborns admitted to a large governmental neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods:Newborns born at the government hospital, Al Bashir, in Amman, Jordan were prospectively enrolled. The study focused on newborns admitted to the NICU and a retrospective chart review was performed. ion included in-hospital mortality, antibiotic days, ventilation, oxygen use, and CRP levels. Rank sum and chi-squared tests were used to compare across outcomes. Logistic regression of hypothesized risk factors with death adjusted for gestational age.Results:Of the 5,466 neonates enrolled from 2/10-2/11, medical records were available for 321/378(84.9%) infants admitted to the NICU. The median gestational age was 36 weeks, median birth weight was 2.3 kg, and 28(8.7%) infants died. The two most common reasons for admission and mortality were respiratory distress syndrome and prematurity. Low Apgar scores and positive CRP were predictors of mortality. Risk factors associated with increased use of antibiotics, oxygen hood, and mechanical ventilation included lower gestational age and prematurity.Conclusion:Infants admitted to the Jordanian NICU have significantly higher median gestational age and birth weights than in developed countries and were associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Continuations of global efforts to prevent prematurity are needed.
Highlights
1.1 IntroductionMuch is known regarding outcomes of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Western countries
Of the 5,466 neonates enrolled from 2/10-2/11, medical records were available for 321/378(84.9%) infants admitted to the NICU
Infants admitted to the Jordanian NICU have significantly higher median gestational age and birth weights than in developed countries and were associated with significant morbidity and mortality
Summary
Much is known regarding outcomes of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Western countries. Major causes of neonatal mortality in the NICU include birth before 37 weeks gestation (28%), infections (26%), and asphyxia (23%). Over the past three decades, global mortality rates of NICU neonates have dramatically improved due to the introduction of surfactant, steroids, and perinatal care, thereby enabling improved survival of very low birth weight infants as young as 23 to 28 weeks. Neonates in countries with data regarding neonatal outcomes tend to be admitted to the NICU as young as 22 weeks for treatment, with survival rates continuing to ascend (Feng, 2011; Simpson, Xiang, Hellmann, & Tomlinson, 2010). Neonatal mortality continues to constitute 44% of childhood deaths under the age of five (WHO, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
