European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF NEONATAL RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME IN PRETERM INFANTS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY AT PRINCE RASHID BEN AL-HASAN MILITARY HOSPITAL NICU

Ahmad Sharadgah MD*, Zakaria Sharadgah MD, Osama Bataineh MD, Alaa Al Tawalbeh MD and Omar Maaita MD

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to investigate the incidence and influential factors of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among preterm infants admitted to the NICU at Prince Rashid Ben Al-Hasan Military Hospital in Jordan. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on infants born before 34 weeks of gestation and admitted to the NICU between July 1, 2018, and July 1, 2019. Data were extracted from hospital records, including demographics, clinical details, and outcomes. RDS diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms and chest X-rays. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. Results: Among 120 preterm neonates, 74 (65.5%) were diagnosed with RDS. RDS prevalence was notably higher in extremely preterm (90%) and very preterm (85%) infants compared to moderately preterm infants (30%). A significant inverse relationship was observed between gestational age and mortality rate, with extremely preterm neonates experiencing a 76% mortality rate. No substantial correlation was found between the timing of dexamethasone administration and mechanical ventilation requirement, nor between abnormal cranial ultrasound findings and gestational age. Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of RDS in preterm neonates, particularly those with lower gestational ages, and underscores the critical impact of gestational age on neonatal mortality rates. The timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration significantly influences neonatal survival outcomes, emphasizing the need for precise timing to maximize benefits. Further large-scale studies are warranted to explore these findings and improve RDS management strategies in neonatal care.

Keywords: Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Preterm Infants, NICU, Gestational Age, Mortality, Dexamethasone, Retrospective Study, Jordan.