A Study of Neonatal Outcome Associated with Preterm Birth in A Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth is the most significant problem in current obstetric practice and according to WHO is the direct cause accounting for 24% of neonatal deaths. OBJECTIVES: To assess frequency and neonatal outcome in patients with preterm birth. METHODOLOGY: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at Gynae Unit III Jinnah Hospital Lahore over a period of one year (from 1st July 2011 to 30th June included in the study. For data collection two groups were made depending upon duration of pregnancy. Group l was allotted to women who were pregnant 2012) in collaboration with Paediatrics department. All labouring women who presented after 28 weeks and before 37 completed weeks of gestation were less ( ) than 32 weeks and Group ll was allotted to women who were pregnant more ( ) than 32 weeks of gestation. Data was collected and analyzed by SPSS version 16. RESULTS: During the study period total 5171 deliveries took place. Out of 5171 neonates born, 460 were preterm making the frequency of 8.86%. Majority 62.82% were 32 weeks of gestation, 67.39% were male, 57.60% were 1.5 kg by weight, 57.17% delivered vaginally and 80.86% were born alive. Neonatal morbidity was more common in neonates less than 32 weeks of gestation. Perinatal mortality was 10.48% in this study. CONCLUSION: Neonatal morbidity and mortality is more common in neonates less than 32 weeks of gestation, this can be improved by improving prenatal health services and advanced neonatal care.