Bhakoo O N, Narang A, Karthikeyan G, Kumar P
Neonatal Division, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Indian J Pediatr. 2000 Nov;67(11):803-4. doi: 10.1007/BF02726222.
The incidence, etiology and the outcome of respiratory distress in 243 consecutive liveborn very low birth weight neonates (VLBW) were analysed. One hundred and forty six (60%) VLBW neonates developed respiratory distress. Hyaline membrane disease, congenital pneumonia and transient tachypnea of the newborn were the major underlying causes (35.6%, 28.1%, and 27.4% respectively). The mortality rate was significantly higher in neonates with respiratory distress (72 of 146, 49.3%) than in those without distress (28 of 97, 28.8%) (p < 0.05). This difference was more sharply reflected in the 1000-1249 birth weight group and in the 29-32 weeks gestation group. Respiratory distress is a significant determinant of VLBW mortality.
