DIFFERENCES IN DETECTION RATES FOR SERIOUS NEONATAL DISEASES BEFORE AND AFTER INSTITUTION OF NEWBORN ROUNDS BY PAEDIATRICIANS IN A PRIVATE SECTOR HOSPITAL

Authors

  • Afshan Khan
  • Alia Qazi
  • Adnan Yousaf
  • Ruhila Hanif
  • Muhammad Agha
  • Muhammad Baseer
  • Mohiy uddin

Abstract

Background: Perinatal and infant mortality are two major contributors to child mortality in developingworld. It is widely recognised that synergistic efforts by paediatric and obstetric healthcare providersresult in improvement of neonatal and infant survival. Close working relationship between the 2disciplines with attendance of all high risk births by paediatric healthcare providers and routineexamination of all neonates is required for this purpose. Objectives were to compare 2 continuums of100 neonatal cases for detection of serious neonatal disease. One set of neonates being examined byneonatal/paediatric service and other without this service in place. Methods: One hundred NeonatalExam sheets were selected randomly from records of 2007–2008 and compared with 100 NeonatalExam Sheets of 2006–2007. Records were analysed for detection of serious neonatal conditions at 24hours age. Data was analysed using MS EXCEL. Odds ratio was calculated for each disease withHaldane correction. Results: Odds ratio was significantly higher for detection of serious neonataldiseases in 2007–2008 group when neonatal service was actively involved in newborn examinations ofall neonates. Highest odds ratios were obtained for detection of Heart Murmur and neonatal sepsis.Conclusions: Newborn Examination within 24–48 hours of birth by trained neonatal healthcareprovider is paramount for adequate detection of serious neonatal diseases. Such services should beinstituted in all obstetric units for better neonatal outcome.Keywords: Neonatal Exam, High risk neonates, neonatal outcomes

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Published

2010-03-01

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