Mortality and Morbidity Pattern of Preterm Babies at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Nepal

Authors

  • Laxman Shrestha Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
  • Prabina Shrestha Teaching Assistant, Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i3.9200

Keywords:

Preterm babies, Sepsis, Very low birth weight, Morbidity, Mortality

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth is a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidity and has long-term adverse consequences for health. The objectives of this study were to find the demographic characteristics and clinical course of preterm babies admitted at Neonatal Unit of TU Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done by collecting data from labour room, NICU and by reviewing medical records of all preterm babies admitted to NICU in 2011.

Results: There were total of 266 preterm deliveries in TUTH in the year 2011. About 45% of them required NICU admission. Ninety five babies were included in the study. Most common cause of premature delivery was maternal pregnancy induced hypertension (26%). Other causes were preterm premature rupture of membrane (24%) and in 25% of cases the cause was unknown. There were 10 (10.5%) severe preterm babies with mean weight 1.4 ± 0.3 kg, 27 (28.5 %) moderate preterm babies with mean weight 1.8 ± 0.4 kg and 58 (61%) late preterm babies with mean weight 2.2 ± 0.5 kg. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was seen in 32% babies, hyperbilirubinemia in 40% babies, sepsis occurred in 37% and NEC in 4%. Hypothermia was seen in 10.5% and hypoglycemia in 5% babies. Apnea of prematurity was seen in 7% babies. Mechanical ventilation was required in 7% babies. The overall mortality was 12%. The main causes of death were respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. The mean duration of stay was 10.2±8.8days. The survival rate of severe preterm babies was 80%, moderate preterm babies was 78% while that of late preterm was 95%.

Conclusion: The main causes of morbidities in preterm babies were respiratory distress, hyperbilirubinemia and sepsis. Respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis were the predominant causes of mortality in these babies.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i3.9200

J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. 2013;33(3):201-205

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Published

2013-12-15

How to Cite

Shrestha, L., & Shrestha, P. (2013). Mortality and Morbidity Pattern of Preterm Babies at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Nepal. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 33(3), 201–205. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i3.9200

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 3 (2013)

Section

Original Articles

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