Sick Neonates Research Articles

Status of Perinatal Mortality in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla Nepal

Introduction: Perinatal mortality rate is sensitive indicator of quality of obstetric and pediatric health services. It also helps us to evaluate efficiency of health care provided by a particular hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cause of perinatal death in a tertiary care medical centre, which may help to reduce the incidence of perinatal death and improve the quality of care.
 Methods: The two-year retrospective study of perinatal deaths was done at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), Jumla from March 2017 to April 2019. Data was collected from monthly perinatal audit and annual mortality reviews. Registers in the maternity ward, sick Neonate Care Unit, and files of dead newborns kept in the record section of the hospital were studied and reviewed.
 Results: A total of 1354 deliveries were conducted in the 24 months period at KAHS with perinatal mortality rate of 36.08 per 1000 total birth and early neonatal death rate of 12.8 per 1000 live birth. The Perinatal mortality was higher in low birth weight and premature baby. The cause of stillbirth and early Neonatal death were identified. Most of the early neonatal death was due to Prematurity (41.17%) followed by Birth Asphyxia and Neonatal Sepsis.
 Conclusion: Prematurity and its related complication were the most common cause of early neonatal death followed by birth Asphyxia and Neonatal Sepsis. There is need to improve antenatal, early identification of high-risk pregnancy as well as Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to further reduce deaths due to prematurity and birth asphyxia.

Cardiac Output Measurement Using the Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitor: A Validation Study in Newborn Infants

Objectives: We aimed to determine the accuracy and validity of the Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM) measurements of cardiac output (CO) compared to echocardiography in newborn infants, and the inter-rater agreement of USCOM measurements. Methods: In a single-center study we prospectively evaluated neonates undergoing an echocardiographic evaluation. USCOM measurements of CO were obtained at the pulmonary and aortic valve by 2 physicians blinded to the echocardiographic results. All echocardiographic measurements were performed blinded to USCOM measurements. We first enrolled an ascertainment cohort which was subsequently validated in an independent new cohort. Agreement between echocardiography and USCOM methods was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed the agreement between the 2 operators. The ascertainment cohort correction factors were applied in a second validation cohort and agreement of the calibrated measures evaluated with repeat Bland-Altman comparisons. Results: A total of 50 infants were enrolled in the initial cohort and 15 in the validation cohort. There was a high degree of correlation between the USCOM operators (ICC = 0.975). USCOM measurements of CO were significantly higher compared to echocardiography (left ventricular output bias 95 ± 52 mL/kg/min and right ventricular output bias 64 ± 30 mL/kg/min). There was no difference in the subgroup of infants with and without a ductus arteriosus. After the correction was applied to the validation cohort, there was no longer a significant difference between the measures. Conclusions: CO measured by USCOM consistently overestimated the results obtained from echocardiography. USCOM is not adequate to provide absolute estimates of CO. However, it may allow longitudinal hemodynamic assessment of sick neonates.

Management of the sick neonate in the field

The sick foal provides a variety of challenges in ambulatory practice. A problem-based approach allows for the management of multifactorial conditions and the identification of those that require immediate hospitalisation. Diseases that present from birth include congenital abnormalities (atresia of the colon, cleft palate, ventricular septal defects), disorders acquired in-utero (meconium aspiration, pneumonia), those related to gestational age (prematurity and dysmaturity) and those associated with parturition (asphyxia, rib fractures). Disorders that develop in foals that were normal at birth include neonatal maladjustment, sepsis, meconium impactions, neonatal isoeyrthrolysis, bladder rupture, omphalophlebitis and musculoskeletal disorders. Protocols for diagnosis and management applicable to a field setting are described.

Neonatal transport metrics and quality improvement in a regional transport service.

Sick neonates in non-tertiary centers rely on the expert skills of neonatal transport teams (NTTs) and efficient systems to provide safe and timely transport to tertiary centers. Quality metrics to measure and compare performance among transport teams are essential to ensure delivery of high-quality care and efficient use of limited and costly resources. We review the most relevant quality metrics available in neonatal transport and key issues to consider during their utilization. The use of quality metrics for quality improvement is described through the experience of a neonatal transport program based at a quaternary children's hospital in Canada.

Bag of Patterns for Nearest Neighbour Neonatal EEG Recall.

Clinical neurophysiologists often find it difficult to recall rare EEG patterns despite the fact that this information could be diagnostic and help with treatment intervention. Traditional search methods may take time to retrieve the archived EEGs that could provide the meaning or cause of the specific pattern, which is undesirable as time can be critical for sick neonates. If neurophysiologists had the ability to quickly recall similar patterns, the prior occurrence of the pattern may help make an earlier diagnosis. This paper presents a system that may be used to assist a clinical neurophysiologist in the recall of neonatal EEG patterns. This paper compares two brute force approaches for the task of neonatal EEG recall and looks at the performance accuracy, speed and memory requirements. This system was tested on six different neonatal EEG pattern types with 430 events in total and the results are presented in this paper.

Clinical Application of Thromboelastography/Thromboelastometry (TEG/TEM) in the Neonatal Population: A Narrative Review.

Hemostasis is a dynamic age-related process, which gradually evolves from fetal life throughout childhood until adulthood. Although at birth there is a hemostatic deficit of most coagulation factors, studies have shown that this "hemostatic immaturity" is functionally counterbalanced in healthy term or preterm newborns. This delicate hemostatic balance is, however, deranged in sick neonates, resulting in an enhanced risk of hemorrhage and/or thrombosis. In critically ill neonates, conventional coagulation tests do not seem to provide reliable information or indications regarding the functional status of platelets or fibrinolysis. In contrast, viscoelastic tests, namely thromboelastography/thromboelastometry (TEG/TEM) hold promise for rapid assessment of the whole hemostatic potential, allowing immediate intervention should this be required. However, neonatal data are limited due to lack of reference values, especially in premature neonates. In this narrative review, we provide some insights around current knowledge regarding TEG/TEM applications in healthy and sick newborns. Overall, the use of viscoelastic tests in diagnosis and management of coagulation disorders in neonates is definitely worth further exploration. Consideration should be made to include these tests in the routine laboratory investigation of neonates and specific transfusion algorithms should also be developed in order to avoid treatment pitfalls.

Navigating Newborn Screening in the NICU: A User's Guide.

Newborn screening (NBS) is the largest public health program in the United States, affecting every newborn. The purpose of newborn screening is to identify newborns at risk for selected disorders during the presymptomatic phase, with the hope that early intervention can prevent disease progression. NBS began in the early 1960s following the pioneering work of Robert Guthrie with phenylketonuria. Since then, NBS has expanded, with testing available for more than 50 disorders in most states. Screening tests need to be highly automated, with high sensitivity and specificity to avoid missing patients with disease, and ensuring manageable false-positive rates. Current initiatives in NBS include timeliness to ensure that results of the screen are available by 5 days after birth for a core set of critical conditions. This has resulted in the current recommendation for NBS specimens to be collected at 24 to 48 hours after birth. False-positive rates are higher in the NICU, because of the metabolic instability of sick neonates and the immaturity of premature enzyme systems. The recommended uniform screen panel (RUSP) contains the current list of disorders screened for by most states. Additional disorders continue to be added to the RUSP as medical progress allows previously untreatable disorders to be managed successfully, and thus the need to screen emerges. The costs associated with NBS continue to climb, because despite state-mandated screening, the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of these conditions has no such mandate. This is a particular concern for disorders with annual treatment costs of several hundred thousand dollars.

Optimizing use of empirical antibiotics in late preterm neonates at risk of early-onset sepsis

Background: In sick neonates, we are posed to treat suspected or proven infection. However, the vast majority of newborn babies who are given antibiotics do not have any infection. Objective: The objective of this study was to optimize the use of empirical antibiotic therapy in late preterms who are asymptomatic with maternal risk and symptomatic neonates without maternal risk for early-onset sepsis (EOS) and to estimate the rate of risk increase in onset of symptoms in neonates exposed to maternal risk factor for EOS. Methods: In this descriptive study, late preterm neonates (34+0–36+6 weeks) who are asymptomatic at birth with and without maternal risk factor for EOS at birth were subjected to clinical assessment of sensorium, temperature, oxygenation status, perfusion, and skin color, starting after 1 h of initial stabilization till discharge from hospital. Sepsis screen (C-reactive protein and absolute neutrophil count) was obtained at 24 h and 48 h of age from these asymptomatic late preterms. Results: A total of 135 late preterm neonates (34+0–36+6 weeks) recruited during the study period were included for analysis. The presence of maternal risk factor for EOS has shown no statistical significance in relation to the presence of symptoms at birth odds ratio 0.66, 95% confident interval (0.24–1.8) p=0.42. Conclusion: In our study, as maternal risk factor for sepsis has shown no statistical significance in relation to the presence of symptoms at birth, antibiotic use can be restricted to only those babies who have clinical worsening over 24–48 h of observation and/or along with supportive evidence of positive sepsis screen and/or blood culture, irrespective of the presence or absence of maternal risk for EOS.

Timely referral and safe transport of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care government hospital of Agra district: a cross sectional study

Background: Timely referral and safe transport form a crucial link for the survival and safety of sick newborn. Thus the study aimed at assessing referral and transport of sick neonates admitted to NICU of a tertiary care government hospital and the factors associated with direct referral and safe final transport.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out in among 450 neonates and was based on face to face interview with caregivers. The data was analyzed using proportions and mean values Chi square test of significance and independent t test were appropriately applied and p<0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Odds ratios were calculated for dichotomous variables.Results: 72.6% of high risk pregnancies were transferred timely in utero to district hospitals. Around two thirds (65.8%) of neonates were referred by doctors. Treatment during transportation was administered to 29.6% of the neonates. 50.2% of neonates have used the services of an ambulance at some point of time during their travel. Highly significant association of direct referral was observed with earlier age at admission (2.3 days), early development of neonatal symptoms (1.45 days), lesser gestational age (33.1 weeks) and lesser total distance travelled (15.7 km). The odds of final transport of newborns in ambulance was significantly more in males (OR=1.5), rural residents (OR=1.5) and registered pregnancies (OR=4.3).Conclusions: Wide variations remain in neonatal referral and transport with some glaring gaps which need to be adequately addressed.

Damage control surgery in neonates: Lessons learned from the battlefield

IntroductionMortality for neonates requiring surgery for serious pathology such as NEC, remains high. Damage control surgery (DCS) has evolved as an operative strategy in battlefield trauma that sacrifices the completeness of the initial surgery to address the deadly triad of acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy. This approach is now used routinely in sick adults with nontrauma surgical emergencies. Here we describe our experience of using DCS in neonates. MethodNeonates undergoing DCS at our hospital from 1/8/2010 to 30/11/17 had data collected prospectively. Results27 neonates (median age 21 days; gestation 29 weeks; weight 1200 g; M:F 18:9) underwent DCS. Diagnosis (NEC 23, volvulus 2, meconium peritonitis 1, spontaneous perforation 1). Preoperative physiology: median temperature 35.5 °C, lactate 3.7, Activated prothrombin time 49; on a median of 1 inotrope (range 0 to 4); 19 had surgery on the intensive care unit. Surgery involved resection of dead bowel with the ends ligated and the abdomen left open. Operation took 38 min (26–80 min) and crew-resource management techniques were used to optimize efficiency. Second look occurred at 48 h (24–108 h) when the physiology had normalized. There were a total of 32 anastomoses in 18 patients with one leak; 3 patients had stomas for distal rectal disease. Overall mortality was 15% (4/27) or 18% in the NEC group (4/23). ConclusionThough techniques such as “clip and drop” exist, they have not been routinely incorporated into an operative strategy for sick neonates based on physiological derangement. The two benefits from our DCS approach were a low mortality and an avoidance of stomas. This approach deserves more investigation to see whether it is as effective in babies and children with nontrauma associated abdominal catastrophes as it is in adults. Type of studyCase controlled study. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Thrombocytopenia in well small for gestational age neonates.

: Thrombocytopenia has been closely associated with small-for-gestational-age neonates (SGA; birthweight less than tenth percentile) admitted to the special care nursery or neonatal ICU. It is unclear if 'well' SGA neonates experience the same incidence of thrombocytopenia in the SGA population as compared to sick neonates. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a health network in Melbourne, Australia, between 2012 and 2015 to identify SGA neonates (≥ 35 weeks' gestation at birth) that were otherwise well. Neonates with at least one platelet count within 7 days of life were matched to appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates from the same birth centre, with the same sex, and closest gestational age and birth date, who were also considered otherwise well. 16.7% of matched neonates had thrombocytopenia (303/1814) and of these, a larger proportion of SGA neonates were thrombocytopenic, 21.7% (197/907), than AGA neonates, 11.7% (106/907, P < 0.01). The incidence of thrombocytopenia was greater in the SGA cohort regardless of admission destination (special care nursery/neonatal ICU 26.8 vs. 13.9%, P < 0.01; Postnatal Ward 16.5 vs. 9.4%, P < 0.01). Thrombocytopenia is more prevalent amongst constitutionally well SGA neonates than AGA neonates. SGA alone increases the risk of thrombocytopenia.

50 Years Ago in The Journal of Pediatrics: The Use of Acid-Base Measurements in the Clinical Evaluation and Treatment of the Sick Neonate

50 Years Ago in The Journal of Pediatrics: The Use of Acid-Base Measurements in the Clinical Evaluation and Treatment of the Sick Neonate

Development of Rectodispersible Tablets and Granulate Capsules for the Treatment of Serious Neonatal Sepsis in Developing Countries

Current pediatric antibiotic therapies often use oral and parenteral routes of administration. Neither are suitable for treating very sick neonates who cannot take oral medication and may be several hours away from hospital in developing countries. Here, we report on the development of rectal forms of ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin. Rectodispersible tablets and capsules were developed and successfully passed 6-month accelerated stability tests. Rabbit bioavailability showed plasma concentrations above the minimal inhibitory concentrations for 3 formulations of rectodispersible tablets and 2 formulations of hard capsules. Clinical batches are currently being prepared for human evaluation with the prospect of offering therapeutic alternatives for treating critically ill neonates. This proof of concept for efficient rectal delivery of antibiotics could help the development of other rectal antibiotic treatments and increase options for noninvasive drug development for pediatric patients.

Transports of Sick Neonates to a Tertiary Care Hospital: Condition at Arrival and Outcomes

Objective: To evaluate the transport system, condition of the baby on arrival, and the outcome of the sick neonates transported to our hospital. Methodology: This prospective study included 100 neonates referred to our hospital. A pro forma with a questionnaire regarding the transport details was filled with information taken from the parents/attendant accompanying the baby. Results: A total of 100 number of referrals over a period of 8 months were included. Almost half the referrals were in the first week of life: 74% were term and 26% preterm. Only 28% of the babies were sent with prior communication to our hospital. About 69% babies had a referral document of them, but only 26% had complete information regarding the baby’s illness and prior treatment. The modes of transport used were private ambulance (36%), car (25%), and government ambulance (22%). Few newborns were brought by autorickshaw (12%), bus (3%), and two-wheeler (2%) too. None of the babies were brought with kangaroo mother care (KMC) during transit. Intratransport care included supplemental oxygen (53%) and IV medications (14%). On arrival the transported neonates had problems such as prolonged capillary filling time (78%), hypothermia (72%), respiratory distress (23%), hypoglycemia (14%), needing life support (14%), and apnea (8%). Out of them, 85% improved, 12% were discharged against medical advice, 2% died, and 1% referred. Conclusion: The study highlights the unaddressed challenges and the scope for improving the transport of sick neonates between hospitals and further emphasizes the need for devising solutions.

Late erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to prevent red blood cell transfusion in preterm or low birth weight infants.

Preterm infants have low plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO), providing a rationale for the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to prevent or treat anaemia. Darbepoetin (Darbe) and EPO are currently available ESAs. To assess the effectiveness and safety of late initiation of ESAs, between eight and 28 days after birth, in reducing the use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in preterm or low birth weight infants. We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 5 June 2018), Embase (1980 to 5 June 2018), and CINAHL (1982 to 5 June 2018). We searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of late initiation of EPO treatment (started at ≥ eight days of age) versus placebo or no intervention in preterm (< 37 weeks) or low birth weight (< 2500 grams) neonates. We performed data collection and analyses in accordance with the methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. We include 31 studies (32 comparisons) randomising 1651 preterm infants. Literature searches in 2018 identified one new study for inclusion. No new on-going trials were identified and no studies used darbepoetin.Most included trials were of small sample size. The meta-analysis showed a significant effect on the use of one or more RBC transfusions (21 studies (n = 1202); typical risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 0.79; typical risk difference (RD) -0.17, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.12; typical number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 6, 95% CI 5 to 8). There was moderate heterogeneity for this outcome (RR I² = 66%; RD I² = 58%). The quality of the evidence was very low. We obtained similar results in secondary analyses based on different combinations of high/low doses of EPO and iron supplementation. There was no significant reduction in the total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant (typical mean difference (MD) -1.6 mL/kg, 95% CI -5.8 to 2.6); 5 studies, 197 infants). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome (I² = 92%). There was a significant reduction in the number of transfusions per infant (11 studies enrolling 817 infants; typical MD -0.22, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.06). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome (I² = 94%).Three studies including 404 infants reported on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (all stages or stage not reported), with a typical RR 1.27 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.64) and a typical RD of 0.09 (95% CI -0.00 to 0.18). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome for both RR (I² = 83%) and RD (I² = 82%). The quality of the evidence was very low.Three trials enrolling 442 infants reported on ROP (stage ≥ 3). The typical RR was 1.73 (95% CI 0.92 to 3.24) and the typical RD was 0.05 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.10). There was no heterogeneity for this outcome for RR (I² = 18%) but high heterogeneity for RD (I² = 79%). The quality of the evidence was very low.There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes including mortality and necrotising enterocolitis. For the outcomes of mortality and necrotising enterocolitis, the quality of the evidence was moderate. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not reported. Late administration of EPO reduces the use of one or more RBC transfusions, the number of RBC transfusions per infant (< 1 transfusion per infant) but not the total volume (mL/kg) of RBCs transfused per infant. Any donor exposure is likely not avoided as most studies included infants who had received RBC transfusions prior to trial entry. Late EPO does not significantly reduce or increase any clinically important adverse outcomes except for a trend in increased risk for ROP. Further research of the use of late EPO treatment, to prevent donor exposure, is not indicated. Research efforts should focus on limiting donor exposure during the first few days of life in sick neonates, when RBC requirements are most likely to be required and cannot be prevented by late EPO treatment. The use of satellite packs (dividing one unit of donor blood into many smaller aliquots) may reduce donor exposure.

Extended Sick Neonate Score (ESNS) for Clinical Assessment and Mortality Prediction in Sick Newborns referred to Tertiary Care

To evaluate utility of a new Extended Sick Neonate Score (ESNS). to predict 'in-hospital mortality' and compare with Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology - Perinatal Extension II (SNAPPE II) and Sick Neonate Score (SNS). Prospective observational study. All extramural sick newborns transported to the neonatology unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of one year. Correlation between ESNS, SNAPPE-II and SNS scoring, and sensitivity/specificity of each score to predict mortality were determined. 961 newborns were enrolled in the study. ESNS, SNAPPE II and SNS were strongly correlated, even when stratified by gestation. ESNS of ≤11 had the best sensitivity (85.9%) and specificity (89.8%). For preterms, ESNS ≤12 had the best sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (76.7%). ESNS can predict 'in-hospital mortality' outcome with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity.

A Study of Platelet Indices In Healthy And Sick Neonates

A Study of Platelet Indices In Healthy And Sick Neonates

Drug utilization pattern in neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital with particular emphasis on off-label drug use

Context: Drugs should be used rationally in the newborn admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), especially in view of their higher susceptibility to the adverse effects owing to relative immaturity of body functions. However, not infrequently, drugs are used not keeping with the guidelines, such use being called “off-label drug use.” Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug utilization pattern in an NICU of a tertiary care hospital and to know the frequency of off-label drug use of various types. Settings and Design: A prospective, observational study was carried out in an NICU for a period of 3 months. Materials and Methods: Demographic details, diagnosis, and treatment given were recorded. The World Health Organization drug utilization core indicators and proportion of off-label usage of drugs were evaluated. Results: Among 560 prescription items used in 81 neonates over a 3-month period, the most commonly used drugs were antimicrobials, followed by vitamins and minerals and then sedatives and anticonvulsants. Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy and neonatal sepsis were the most common diagnoses. Overall, off-label usage of drug use was 43%. Antimicrobials were the most common group of drugs (136/240) used off label, followed by sedatives and anticonvulsants (42/240). While antimicrobials were commonly used off label in dose followed by frequency and age, anticonvulsants and sedatives were mostly used off label in the age category. Conclusions: The present study highlights a trend toward multiple drug usage with high off-label drug use in sick neonates and the need for further studies for safety and efficacy of drugs used in NICUs.

Chapter 18 - Diagnosis of seizures and encephalopathy using conventional EEG and amplitude integrated EEG

Seizures are more common in the neonatal period than at any other time of life, partly due to the relative hyperexcitability of the neonatal brain. Brain monitoring of sick neonates in the NICU using either conventional electroencephalography or amplitude integrated EEG is essential to accurately detect seizures. Treatment of seizures is important, as evidence increasingly indicates that seizures damage the brain in addition to that caused by the underlying etiology. Prompt treatment has been shown to reduce seizure burden with the potential to ameliorate seizure-mediated damage. Neonatal encephalopathy most commonly caused by a hypoxia-ischemia results in an alteration of mental status and problems such as seizures, hypotonia, apnea, and feeding difficulties. Confirmation of encephalopathy with EEG monitoring can act as an important adjunct to other investigations and the clinical examination, particularly when considering treatment strategies such as therapeutic hypothermia. Brain monitoring also provides useful early prognostic indicators to clinicians. Recent use of machine learning in algorithms to continuously monitor the neonatal EEG, detect seizures, and grade encephalopathy offers the exciting prospect of real-time decision support in the NICU in the very near future.

Neonatal Pneumonia in NICU of a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Pneumonia is one of the causes of neonatal infection and responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. The study was aimed to reveal frequency and outcome of pneumonia among hospitalized sick newborn of neonatal intensive care unit.&#x0D; Methodology: This observational study was carried out in the NICU of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on 94 neonates with the diagnosis of pneumonia admitted from July 2012 to June 2014. All studied neonates were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, routine investigations, chest radiography and blood culture and sensitivity.&#x0D; Results: Incidence of neonatal pneumonia was 43% among admitted neonates with respiratory distress. Mean birth weight and gestational age were 2392±854 and 33±3.9 weeks respectively. Of enrolled infants with pneumonia, 38 (40.4%) were early onset, 24 (25%) were hospital acquired pneumonia and community acquired pneumonia was documented in 14 (14.8 %) and the rest 18 (19%) were ventilator associated pneumonia. Blood culture was positive in 18 (19%) of cases with neonatal pneumonia; most common pathogen isolated was acinetobacter. Mean duration of hospital stay was 19±8 days. Most of the neonatal pneumonia were cured 72 (76%) with therapy, whereas 17 (18%) died during their hospital course.&#x0D; Conclusion: Overall incidence among admitted sick neonates was 8.4% which constituted 34% of distressed neonate.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Child Health 2018; VOL 42 (3) :112-117