Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia
Published on: October 11, 2011
Clinical Interventions and Outcomes in Neonates With Early-Onset Respiratory Distress: A Prospective Observational
Kasiarasi Balasubramanian1, Krishnamurthy C2, Deepak Kumar T3
1Pediatrics, Vinayaka Mission's Medical College and Hospital, Karaikal, IND.
Background:
Neonatal respiratory distress (NRD) remains a major cause of early morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for a significant proportion of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions in developing countries. Understanding the etiological spectrum, clinical interventions, and short-term outcomes is crucial to guide evidence-based neonatal care in resource-limited settings.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and immediate outcomes among neonates presenting with early-onset respiratory distress within 72 hours of birth and to assess the influence of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) exposure on disease severity.
Methods:
This prospective observational study included 1000 neonates admitted to the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) at Tirunelveli Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India, over one year. Data on maternal, perinatal, and neonatal variables were collected using a structured proforma. Severity was assessed using the Silverman-Anderson and Downe's scores. Statistical analysis included chi-square and ANOVA tests, with p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
Among 1000 neonates, 56% were male and 56% were term. The major etiologies were transient tachypnea of the newborn (56%), respiratory distress syndrome (39%), and meconium aspiration syndrome (5%). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was required in 36% of cases, while 58% were managed with oxygen hood therapy. Severe distress occurred predominantly in preterm and low-birth-weight infants. Overall mortality was 1.9%, confined to the extremely preterm group. ACS exposure showed a trend toward lower severity and reduced need for invasive support.
Conclusion:
Early recognition and structured management, including timely CPAP initiation and antenatal corticosteroid use, significantly improve short-term outcomes in neonatal respiratory distress. Strengthening antenatal and neonatal care integration is essential for further mortality reduction in similar healthcare settings.
More Related Videos
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
08:58Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease