Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: February | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 60-71
Clinical Outcome of Premature Babies Admitted in the Neonatal Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt
West Boma Awoala1, Okari Tamunoiyowuna Grace2
1Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State, University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, No 6-8 Harley street, old GRA, Port Harcourt
2Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State, University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, No 6-8 Harley street, old GRA, Port Harcourt
Corresponding Author: West Boma Awoala
ABSTRACT
Background: Prematurity, a significant cause of under-five and neonatal mortality and morbidity is on the increase especially in Africa and Asia and threatens efforts to significantly reduce under-five mortality in middle- and low-income countries.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and outcome of premature babies in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Materials and methods: A one-year prospective study was carried out in the special care baby unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. A pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data from mothers and babies delivered prematurely from the time of admission to discharge or death.
Results: Of 468 neonates admitted into the unit, 217 (46.4%) were preterm babies, majority of whom were delivered at 33-36 weeks (74.7%) and weighed 1.5-2.49kg (57.1%). The commonest pregnancy complications of mothers of premature babies were hypertension in pregnancy (41.7%) and premature rupture of membranes (34.8%), while neonatal jaundice (58.5%), respiratory distress (57.1%) and probable sepsis (55.3%) were common morbidities observed. A total of 191 (88%) of them were discharged home and this outcome was significantly associated with gestational age (GA) of 33-36 weeks, birth weight > 2.5kg, normal APGAR scores, feeds commenced on or after 2nd day of life, caesarean section delivery and those with temperatures below 360C at presentation, (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of prematurity was high. Early identification and management of predisposing factors of preterm deliveries and adequate management of these babies when delivered will reduce the prevalence and improve the outcome of premature babies.
Key words: Premature babies, Clinical outcome, Port Harcourt.