Frequency of Causes and Outcome of Respiratory Distress in Neonates Admitted in Shahida Islam Medical College/Teaching Hospital Lodhran

Shaiza Inam; Asif Javed; Iqbal Ahmad; Barrah Nusrat

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i5.2339

Authors

Shaiza Inam Department of Pediatric Medicine, Multan Medical and Dental College/Ibn-E- Siena Hospital and Research Institute Multan, Pakistan
Asif Javed Department of Pediatric Medicine, Multan Medical and Dental College/Ibn-E- Siena Hospital and Research Institute Multan, Pakistan
Iqbal Ahmad Department of Pediatric Medicine, Shahida Islam Teaching Hospital Lodhran, Pakistan
Barrah Nusrat Department of Pediatric Medicine, Multan Medical and Dental College/Ibn-E- Siena Hospital and Research Institute Multan, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i5.2339

Keywords:

Neonatal Respiratory Distress; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn; Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Neonatal respiratory distress is a common cause of admission, morbidity, referral, and mortality in neonatal units, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objective: To determine the frequency of causes and clinical outcomes of respiratory distress among neonates admitted to Shahida Islam Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Lodhran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neonatology Section, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Shahida Islam Medical College/Teaching Hospital, Lodhran, Pakistan, from 7 January 2025 to 7 April 2025. A total of 124 neonates aged 0–28 days with respiratory distress were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic, perinatal, clinical, and outcome-related data were recorded on a structured proforma. Causes of respiratory distress were diagnosed using predefined clinical, radiological, and laboratory criteria. Outcomes were categorized as improved and discharged, referred, or mortality. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean age at admission was 3.21 ± 4.62 days, mean gestational age was 36.58 ± 2.41 weeks, and mean birth weight was 2486.37 ± 514.82 grams. Most neonates were male 72 (58.1%), and cesarean delivery was reported in 70 (56.5%) cases. The most frequent cause of respiratory distress was respiratory distress syndrome 35 (28.2%), followed by transient tachypnea of the newborn 31 (25.0%), neonatal sepsis 24 (19.4%), meconium aspiration syndrome 17 (13.7%), and birth asphyxia 13 (10.5%). Overall, 94 (75.8%) neonates improved and were discharged, 15 (12.1%) were referred, and 15 (12.1%) died. Unfavorable outcomes were significantly associated with prematurity, low birth weight, and premature rupture of membranes. Conclusion: Respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, and neonatal sepsis were the leading causes of neonatal respiratory distress in this cohort. Most neonates recovered, but prematurity, low birth weight, and premature rupture of membranes were associated with poorer outcomes. Early identification of high-risk neonates and timely respiratory and sepsis management may improve neonatal survival.

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