The Pattern of Admission and Outcome of Neonates Managed in The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Background: Neonatal mortality rate contributes significantly to under-five mortality rates. Data obtained from patterns of admission and outcomes may uncover various aspects and help in managing resources, infrastructure, and skilled personnel for better outcomes in the future. Method: This was a retrospective study conducted in the NICU at Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, India. Data of all admitted neonates were analyzed with regard to age, sex, weight, cause of admission, and outcome. Results: During the study period, a total of 175 neonates were analyzed. Males were predominant over females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.21:1. The majority of newborns belonged to the low-birth-weight category (46.28%), followed by normal birth weight (30.28%), very low birth weight (18.28%), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies. The maximum number of admissions were due to prematurity (54%), followed by neonatal sepsis (12.57%), meconium aspiration syndrome (9.17%), and birth asphyxia (9.14%). Out of 175 babies, 29 (17.14%) died. The highest mortality was found among cases of prematurity (62%), followed by birth asphyxia (20.69%), and neonatal sepsis (10.34%). Conclusion: Prematurity, neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, and meconium aspiration syndrome were the major indications for admission. Prematurity, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis were the leading causes of mortality in this study. These mortalities can be reduced with better management of antenatal and perinatal periods, early recognition of critical conditions, timely intervention, and early referral to higher centers.