Respiratory distress in full term newborns

ABSTRACT

Respiratory distress [RD] is among the most common symptom complexes seen in the newborn infant. It may result from both non-cardiopulmonary and cardiopulmonary causes. This study Aimed to assess the incidence, some possible risk factors, types, and short term out come of RD in full term newborns. A prospective study extending along a 6 months period from 1[st] of October 2006 to 31[st] of march 2007, during which a 50 full term newborns with RD, who were admitted to the NICU of Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Medical City-Baghdad, and enrolled with another 50 full term newborns without RD delivered in the same period, in the same place. For studied groups [cases and controls], a full prenatal and natal history, and complete physical examination were done, including Down's score evaluation of RD. For each patient in the studied group, CXR, CBP, CRP, Bl.C/S were under taken, close observation and out come were recorded. The risk factors that emerged as being significant includes history of maternal smoking, caesarian section delivery and male sex .The elective caesarian delivery was highly significant risk factor for RD in full term newborns. The incidence of RD in full term newborns to the total live births at that period was [2.16%], TTN was the commonest cause [1.68%], followed by HMD [0.25%], MAS [0.086%], CHD [0.086%] and then C. P [0.001%]. That RD in full term newborns is still an important problem in this NICU, especially due to TTN and following elective CS. These prompt us to recommend the reduction of these risk factors especially elective CS to decrease the incidence of RD in full term newborn babies