M. Amarendra1, Garuda Rama2, C. Rohit Kiran3, DVRB Raju4
BACKGROUND
Respiratory distress is a common problem encountered within the first 48-72 hours of life. It is one of the commonest cause of admission to NICU. So, it is very important to know the aetiology and risk factors associated with development of respiratory distress to provide better management.
The aim of the study is to study the aetiology of respiratory distress and the risk factors associated with development of respiratory distress in term newborns.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Prospective study of 100 term newborns admitted in our NICU with respiratory distress. General information, history and clinical examination findings of mother and newborn were documented. Time of onset of respiratory distress and the severity of the distress were documented. Severity was assessed using Downe’s clinical scoring. X-ray was done at 6 hours in all newborns. Various aetiologies and risk factors associated with respiratory distress were assessed.
RESULTS
In our study, the most common cause of respiratory distress was transient tachypnoea of newborn seen in 59% cases followed by early onset sepsis 20% cases and meconium aspiration syndrome 17% cases. Majority of newborn had severe distress (42%) followed by moderate distress (35%) and mild distress (23%). The risk factors associated with development of respiratory distress were low socioeconomic status, more than four per vaginal examinations, meconium-stained liquor, caesarean section, low birth weight and male sex of the baby.
CONCLUSION
Transient tachypnoea of newborn is the most common cause of respiratory distress in term newborns and the risk factors for development of respiratory distress are low socioeconomic status, more than four per vaginal examinations, meconium-stained liquor, caesarean section, low birth weight and male sex of the baby. Early diagnosis and management of respiratory distress in newborn is needed to decrease the severity of the disease and to reduce the mortality.
