SHORT-TERM OUTCOME OF MASSIVE PULMONARY HEMORRHAGE IN PRETERM INFANTS IN TUZLA CANTON

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH) in neonates is a severe condition followed by many complications and associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to present the incidence, possible risk factors, and short-term outcome of neonatal MPH in Tuzla Canton. We retrospectively analyzed data on neonates with MPH from January 2015 to December 2017. On statistical analysis, standard methods of descriptive statistics were used. During the three-year study period, 16 neonates developed MPH, 5 (31.25%) male and 11 (68.75%) female. Their mean gestational age was 29.48±2.21 weeks and mean birth weight 1276.69±387.65 grams. Seven (43.75%) neonates survived and 9 (56.25%) died. Significant differences between the two outcome groups (survivors/died) were found in gestational age, birth weight, birth length, 5-minute Apgar score, and length of treatment at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In Tuzla Canton, MPH occurred mainly in preterm neonates requiring mechanical ventilation, with the incidence of 1.91% of total premature births. The short-term outcome was uncertain, with a high mortality rate of 56.25%. Lower gestational age, lower birth weight, lower birth length and lower 5-minute Apgar score were confirmed as risk factors for poor short-term outcome.