Outcome analysis of Neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Border District of Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT

Background: As per the Child Mortality Report 2018 by UNICEF the current neonatal mortality rate in India stands at 24 per 1000 live births with it being more than the national average for Uttar Pradesh. The neonatal morbidity and outcome pattern in terms of discharge or otherwise shows considerable national, state, district and sub- district variations due to a multitude of diverse factors contributing to it at various levels. Aim & Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the mortality rate and outcome in NICU setting, and factors influencing the outcomes. Methods and Material: This government NICU based follow-up study comprised of data analysed from 450 neonates through a semi-structured questionnaire using face to face interview technique. Data was evaluated in SPSS and; independent t test and chi square test were applied. Statistical analysis used Data was evaluated in SPSS and; independent t test and chi square test were applied. Results: For morbidity low birth weight (LBW) (14.4%) and for mortality LBW/prematurity (56%) were the most common causes. The discharge rate was 64.4%. Good outcome in the form of successful discharge was statistically significant with birth weight (p=0.000), gestational age (0.001), length of stay at NICU (p=0.003) male sex (p=0.003) and feeding of newborn (p=0.002) Conclusions: The study enunciates a high discharge rate in tertiary care government NICU with a mixed morbidity and mortality profile. The causes are mainly preventable and hence can be largely mitigated through dedicated ante natal, intra natal and post-natal care.