Short-term outcome of high-risk newborns

A prospective observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Unit of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital over a period of 10 months. A total of 86 high-risk newborns were included to study the mortality and morbidity patterns. Majority of these (68%) were outborn male babies: 65% were pre-term and 36% were low birth weight. Overall survival was 77.2% and was better in inborn babies. Survival was directly proportional to gestation and birth weight. Systemic infection was associated with higher mortality and morbidity. Klebsiella was the commonest organism cultured followed by Candida. Hyaline membrane disease was the commonest respiratory morbidity. Sixty-seven percent required ventilatory support, and mortality was directly proportional to the duration of ventilation. Only 6% of the survivors had neurodevelopmental delay at 6 months and one baby had hearing impairment requiring cochlear implant. They continue to be on long-term follow-up.