Abstract

One of the most frequent reasons for admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is Respiratory distress, which can have both respiratory and non-respiratory causes. It accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in the newborn period. Aims and Objectives: To identify the etiology of respiratory distress in the early neonatal period and its immediate outcome. Materials and Methods: A Descriptive Study, for one year, the researchers enrolled all term infants with respiratory distress in the first week of life in a tertiary care facility. The etiological profile was identified, and the results as well as different neonatal, maternal, and labor variables contributing to the anxiety were examined. Results: Out of 1250 cases admitted during the study period, 220 term newborns were admitted with respiratory distress with an incidence of 17.6%. Out of 220 neonates admitted with RD, 131 (59.55%) were males and 89 (40.45%) were females, with male preponderance. Out of 220 babies admitted with RD 109 (49.54%) babies were born at early term and 111 (50.45%) babies were born at late-term. Conclusion: Planning treatment to lower morbidity and death from respiratory distress requires knowledge of the etiological pattern of the condition. To decrease the frequency of respiratory distress, high-risk pregnancies must be identified and managed quickly. The timing and method of delivery must also be considered carefully.

Description