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Epidemiological aspects of prematurity in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia

Faisal O Al-Qurashi1, Abdullah A Yousef, Bassam H Awary

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, King Fahd Hospital of the University, University of Dammam, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. faisal.alqurashi@yahoo.com.

Saudi Medical Journal
|April 8, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed 476 preterm infants in Saudi Arabia, finding a 7.5% prevalence of prematurity and an overall mortality rate of 7.6%. Survival rates varied significantly by gestational age.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prematurity presents significant global health challenges.
  • Understanding regional epidemiological characteristics is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and epidemiological features of preterm births.
  • To evaluate the survival rates of preterm infants in Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 476 preterm infants admitted between June 2008 and 2013.
  • Data collected included demographics, birth weight, and gestational age.
  • Neonatal survival rates were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of prematurity was 7.5%, with 55% males.
  • Extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks) were 9%, very preterm (28-32 weeks) were 20%.
  • Overall mortality was 7.6%, with higher rates in males (53% of total mortality). Survival to discharge ranged from 30-97.6% by gestational age.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of preterm births in Eastern Saudi Arabia aligns with global data.
  • Gestational age is a key determinant of survival in preterm infants.
Abstract

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