Immediate Outcome of Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome Required Mechanical Ventilation

Since its inception, the neonatal mechanical ventilator has been considered an essential tool for managing preterm neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and is still regarded as an integral component in the neonatal respiratory care continuum. Mechanical ventilation of newborn has been practiced for several years with several advances made in the way. This clinical intervention study was done to analyze immediate outcome of preterm neonates with RDS required mechanical ventilation and conducted on preterm neonates with RDS required mechanical ventilation from July 2014 to June 2015. Total of 31 preterm neonates with RDS were mechanically ventilated during the study period, of which 77.42% (N=24) survived. The survival rate was highest among 30- <34 weeks (100%) gestational age (GA) group and lowest in 27- <30 weeks (56%) GA, (p=0.0036). The neonates with Birth Weight (BW) 1500gm -1800gm were higher rate of recovery which was 100% and gradually declined in 1000-1499gm (93.75%) and 800-999gm (33.33%) BW groups (p=0.00083). In this study most of the neonates were male (61.29%) but recovery rate was relatively better among baby girls (83.33%) than baby boys (73.68%) (p=0.53). RDS with surfactant therapy was better outcome than non surfactant group & survival of neonates who got surfactant were 93.33% & non surfactant neonates were 62.50%, (p=0.040). Majority (71.43%) of RDS with surfactant therapy recovered earlier <7 days than non surfactant therapy neonates (30.00%) and most of non surfactant neonates (70.00%) required prolonged ventilator support >7days (p=0.045). During the period of ventilation a total 17(54.84%) neonates developed different complications, of which ventilator associated pneumonia was (16.13%), sepsis (16.13%), pneumothorax (9.68%), pulmonary hemorrhage (6.45%) and intraventricular hemorrhage (6.45%) and among them 10 neonates recovered. No complications encountered in 14(45.16%) neonates, all of them survived, (p=0.0064). All (N=31) preterm neonates were candidate for surfactant therapy but only 15 neonates got surfactant therapy, remaining (N=16) did not get for their financial issue. As mechanical ventilation with surfactant therapy reduces the neonatal mortality; hence, facilities for neonatal ventilation and cost effective surfactant therapy should be included in the regional and central hospitals providing intensive care for neonates.