Outcomes of the Neonates Admitted to Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: For the survival of high-risk newborns, theneonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a fundamentalsector. The outcomes of neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) patients directly depend upon the clinical status ofthe patients. In Bangladesh, we have very limited researchbased information regarding this issue. Aim of the study:This study aimed to assess the outcomes of neonatesadmitted to the intensive care unit. Methods andmaterials: As an observational cohort study, this study wasconducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Dhaka ShishuHospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2009 toSeptember 2010. In total 230 neonates admitted to theNICU, after fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolledin this study as study subjects. Properly written consentwas taken in favor of all the participants before datacollection. Results: In this study, 37% and 33% of the total cases were with perinatalasphyxia (PNA) and preterm low birth weight (PTLBW), respectively which was noticeable.Besides 6%, 3% and 21% of patients were with sepsis, pneumonia and congenital anomalies,respectively. Among the total of 230 participants, the majority of the patients died which was51%. On the other hand, the rest of the patients (49%) were found as improved in conditionat the end of this study. Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia (PNA) and preterm low birth weight (PTLBW) are very common diseases among NICU-admitted neonates. Prompt admission anddiagnosis can reduce the mortality of neonates admitted to the intensive care unit.