Evaluation of factors affecting the clinical course of neonates born in Bolu province: Implications for further precautions

Abstract

Aim: To examine the maternal and other factors affecting the clinical course of newborn infants in Bolu province and to reveal the possible relationships between them.

Methods: A total of 1592 newborns and their mothers were retrospectively included in the study between 2022-2023 at the Maternity and Child Unit of Bolu İzzet Baysal State Hospital. Clinical data of neonates and their mothers' pregnancy data were retrieved from the hospital data system. The categorical data were analyzed by chi-square test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two independent groups. Spearman's rank correlation was employed to test if there was correlation between the variables.

Results: The rate of intensive care unit admission for caesarean deliveries (21.8%) was significantly higher than for normal deliveries (15%, p<0.01). The rate of ventilator requirement was significantly higher in early-term (27%), late-preterm (49%) and moderately-preterm (100%) neonates compared to term ones (12%), respectively (p<0.01). The most common risk factor for expectant mothers was thyroid disorder (27.7%). The rate of hospitalization for infection was higher than that due to congenital pneumonia in both caesarean section (45.6% vs 23.5%) and normal births (46.8% vs 18.3%, p< 0.05). The rate of cesarean delivery was significantly higher in those with late preterm (67.3%) than in those with term (49.7%, p<0.01).

Conclusions: Expectant mothers should be encouraged to have a normal birth unless medically necessary. Factors that may cause prematurity should be kept under control as it causes many health problems after birth. More health precautions need to be taken for newborns under 1 year of the health of expectant mother should be closely monitored for the mother and her newborn. Awareness about the common causes of infant disorders is important in forward health planning and precautions to be taken.