Pattern and outcome of neonatal ailments in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

The pattern and outcome of neonatal diseases varies not only in different geographical settings and time spans but it also changes within the same unit at different times. Moreover, it can also be used to determine the availability, utilization and effectiveness of mother and child health services in the community. To determine and correlate the pattern and outcome of neonatal ailments in a tertiary care children hospital Karachi. Descriptive observational study carried out at National Institute of Child Health Karachi from 1st February 2011 to 31st January 2012. Subjects and The data regarding the demography, diagnosis and outcome of all admitted neonates was obtained from the patient's files. The data was entered and analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences 17 to find out the frequency and mortality rate of various diseases among the patients. [p value of <0.05 was taken as significant]. A total of 4747 neonates were admitted during the study period. The male to female ratio was 10.6. Majority [66.2%] were referred within 72 hours of birth. The major causes of admission were sepsis [29.2%], low birth weight [23.4%], birth asphyxia [11.3%], prematurity [9.8%], meconium aspiration syndrome [8.9%], neonatal jaundice [7.0%] and pneumonia [6.4%]. Almost 55.6% cases were discharged after improvement, 29.9% expired, and 12% left against medical advice [LAMA]. Sepsis and low birth weight showed strong correlation [>/= 57.81] with overall mortality rates. Sepsis and low birth weight were the major causes of death. Public awareness and use of MNCH facilities by the communities need to be further stressed to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Policy message Monitoring of high risk pregnancies at the antenatal checkups, timely referral and availability of resuscitation facilities at delivery sites must be ensured. Regular awareness workshops for health care providers and community especially mothers could also be helpful