Term Neonates admissions to neonatal intensive care unit: Retrospective study

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of term infants of appropriate birth weight receive care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, and risk factors for admission of term infants to a NICU to identify areas for quality improvement.Design: Retrospective study.Patients and Methods: The cases were all term infants (≥ 37 weeks gestational age) admitted to the AJIMS NICU between 1st May 2021 to 30th April 2022, were retrospectively examined from the medical records. Neonates with major congenital anomalies, diagnosed with genetic syndromes, or referred to another hospital for any reason were excluded from the study.Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for admission of term infants to the NICU.Results: The term infants born in these one year, 12.8% (101) were admitted to NICU. Commonest reason for admission was Respiratory distress syndrome (37%). Others reasons are non-bilious vomiting (20%), congenital anomalies [Surgical conditions and Congenital heart disease] (13%) Hyperbilirubinaemia (8%), Infections (sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis), (4%).Conclusion: A growing number of term infants are admitted unexpectedly to the NICU. Respiratory distress syndrome and hyperbilirubinaemia and low birth weight being most common causes for NICU admission.