Frequency of Apnea of Prematurity in Preterm Neonates Presenting at DHQ Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan

Madiha Ahlam; Farmanullah Burki; Farid Ullah

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i3.1712

Authors

Madiha Ahlam Department of Pediatrics, MTI, DHQ, D.I.Khan, Pakistan
Farmanullah Burki Department of Pediatrics, Gomal Medical College, DI Khan, Pakistan
Farid Ullah Department of Pediatrics, Gomal Medical College, DI Khan, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i3.1712

Keywords:

Apnea of prematurity, preterm neonate, birth weight

Abstract

Apnea of prematurity is a common clinical problem in preterm neonates and may contribute to short-term morbidity in neonatal units. Local data on its frequency may help improve early recognition and monitoring in resource-limited settings. Objective: To determine the frequency of apnea of prematurity in preterm neonates presenting at DHQ Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan. Methodology: This study was conducted on 138 preterm neonates (gestational age <37 weeks) aged 1–25 days. Neonates with lung malformations, sepsis, or birth asphyxia were not included. This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, DHQ Hospital, DI Khan, from 29-April-2024 to 29-October-2024. Apnea of prematurity was assessed in all patients, defined as cessation of breathing for>15 seconds, along with bradycardia (<100 bpm on electrocardiogram). SPSS 27 was used to analyze the collected data. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for apnea of prematurity; a chi-square test was conducted for stratification, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: In the present study, the mean age of the neonates was 11.14 ± 7.20 days, and their mean birth weight was 2.38 ± 0.42 kg. Apnea of prematurity was diagnosed in 43 (31.2%) neonates. Significant associations were found between apnea and lower age (p=0.008) and lower birth weight (p=0.002). Conclusion: The frequency of apnea of prematurity in preterm neonates in the present study was 31.2%. The condition was significantly associated with lower birth weight and lower age.

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