Abstract
Objective
The primary objective of this study was to investigate the transport profile and prevalence of mortality among outborn neonates. The secondary objective was to compare the morbidity characteristics at admission with mortality rates.
Methods
All outborn neonates consecutively admitted during the study period were included. The study detailed the neonatal transport services level, clinical features at admission, and the calculation of the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPEII) score, a widely used tool to predict neonatal mortality based on various clinical and physiological parameters. Mortality rates were then compared with the morbidity characteristics at admission.
Results
A total of 59 neonates were enrolled, with the primary reason for referral being sepsis (25, 42%). Most neonates (40, 68%) were transported in private ambulances. A mortality rate of 6 (10%) was observed, attributed to complications of sepsis. Notably, 2 neonates expired within 12 hours of admission, and 5 had a SNAPPEII score exceeding 40. Furthermore, shock because of multiple reasons (24, 41%) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (10, 17%) were associated (P < .05) with neonatal mortality.
Conclusion
The prevalence of mortality among outborn neonates, as revealed by this study, is 10%. The association of shock (because of hypothermia, sepsis, hypoglycaemia, prematurity, etc), DIC, and a SNAPPEII score exceeding 40 at admission with mortality highlight the need for further research and the development of targeted interventions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.