ABSTRACT
Background: The aim is to study the various risk factors associated with development of severe respiratory distress in the new born.Methods: This was a prospective study of 200 new-borns with respiratory distress. Clinical details, etiology for the respiratory distress, system-wise factors responsible for the distress, severity and duration of respiratory distress, oxygen therapy, type of treatment, mortality, maternal and antenatal risk factors, radiological findings were noted in all the cases and were analysed.Results: Of the 200 cases with respiratory distress, 118 (59%) had severe respiratory distress. 154 cases with distress were of respiratory system in origin out of which 45% (70 out of 154) were due to Meconium aspiration syndrome, 42% (64 out of 154) were due to Respiratory distress syndrome, 12% (18 out of 154) were due to transient tachypnea of new-born and 2% were due to congenital pneumonia. More number of female patients had severe respiratory distress. Mortality was 2.5%.Conclusions: Meconium aspiration syndrome is the most common cause of respiratory distress in new born. Almost 60% of new borns with respiratory distress developed severe respiratory distress who required intensive monitoring. Risk factors like meconium stained liquor, vaginal delivered new borns, preterm gestation age, and female gender of new born were associated with severe respiratory distress in new borns.