Pattern of Disease Admissions and Their Outcome of Neonates Admitted In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of A Tertiary Care Hospital in Quetta

Abstract

Objective: to determine the admission pattern and outcomes of neonatal admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a tertiary care hospital of Quetta Pakistan. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Combined Military Hospital Quetta Pakistan from Jan to Dec 2020 Methodology: All neonates admitted to the NICU Indoor or Outdoor Department during study duration were included. The disease pattern of the admission was noted, along with information regarding gender, gestational age, birth weight, diagnosis, duration of NICU stay, and outcome. Results: Of 424 neonates, respiratory-related disorders were predominantly higher 185 (43.6%) followed by infection/ sepsis-related disorders 105 (24.8%), care of prematurity 81 (19.1%), whereas 53(12.5%) had miscellaneous disorders. The overall mortality rate was observed in 34(8.0%) babies. A significant mean difference in gestational age (p<0.001), birth weight (p<0.001), and duration of stay (p=0.003) was observed for reasons for admissions. Furthermore, a significant association of reasons for admission was observed with gender (p=0.013), route of admission (p<0.001), and respiratory support (p<0.001). Conclusion: The pattern of the disease admission showed that respiratory-related disorders were predominantly higher, followed by infection/sepsis-related disorders and care of prematurity. Though the mortality rate was low, however, low birth weight, prematurity and caesarean delivery are common risk factors.