ABSTRACT
Objective: to determine pattern of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized preterm neonates
Material and Methods: all preterm babies presenting to the Neonatology Ward of Services Hospital except those with major congenital malformations were selected for the study. A predesigned proforma was used to record clinical data on presentation. This included physical characteristics like gestational age, weight, gender, presenting complaints. The proforma was updated on daily basis to make note of any clinical problems or complications arising during the course of hospital stay till outcome [discharge, leave against medical advice or death]. Note was made of respiratory complications, infections, metabolic, neurological and hematological problems and complications related to feeding and weight gain. The data was subsequently computed and analyzed using SPSS [Statistical Package for the Social Sciences] version 14 by the authors
Results: three hundred and one preterm babies ranging in gestational age from 22 to 36 weeks [mean 31.2 SD+/- 2.9] were included in the study. The overall mortality was 53.8%. Survival was significantly better in more mature, larger babies and those who could be started successfully on enteral feed. Most deaths were encountered within the first 7 days of admission. The chances of survival increased significantly with longer duration of admission. There was no significant difference in mortality between males and females. Respiratory distress was the commonest admitting complaint seen in 46.5% cases. During hospital stay respiratory problems [requiring varying degree of ventilator support] were seen most frequently, followed by metabolic complications and infection related morbidity
Conclusion: prematurity is associated with significant mortality and morbidity seen in hospitalized neonates
ABSTRACT
Toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN] is a clinical syndrome characterized by severe exfoliative skin changes, erosive mucosal involvement, and potentially life-threatening multisystem involvement. We present a 1 year old boy with recurrent rashes and fever, who turned out to be a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis