ABSTRACT
Background: Pneumothorax is an acute emergency and aspiration of the trapped air is almost always required and only in limited cases expectant management can be offered. Chest drains, needle aspiration and finally surgical intervention are needed depending upon the need of emergency
Objective: To compare the efficacy of intercostal chest tube and needle aspiration in cases with Pneumothorax in neonates
Methodology: It was a randomized control trial on 32 neonates presenting with nontension pneumothorax diagnosed clinically and on chest X ray and were randomly selected in two equal groups, A and B. Group A was treated with intercostal chest tube [ICT] and Group B underwent needle aspiration. This study was carried out at Arar hospital, Northern provinces, Saudi Arabia. These cases were then followed via clinical improvement and X ray chest to look for complete resolution. Outcome was observed in the form of complete resolution and time taken to resolution
Results: In this study, there were total 32 cases, sixteen in each group. In group A out of 16 there were 9 [56.25%] males and 7 [43.75%] females, while in group B there were 10 [62.50%] males and 6 [37.50%] females. The mean age of group A and B were 7.27+/-3.05 days and 7.34+/-2.93 days respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in socio-demographic factors of both groups. The complete resolution of the symptoms and radiological clearance was seen in 15 [93.75%] out of 16 cases of group A as compared to 13 out of 16 [81.25%] in group B with p=0.09. There was significant difference in mean duration of resolution which was 7.56+/-1.48 days in group A in contrast to group B with 4.78+/-0.92 days with p value of 0.01. There was no statistically significant difference in both groups regarding socio-demographic factors, pre term or term labor or side effect profile
Conclusion: Pneumothorax are not uncommon in neonates. ICT is a better treatment option regarding complete resolution. However, time taken to resolution is significantly shorter with needle aspiration