Clinico-Etiological Profile and Outcome of Neonates with Respiratory Distress Admitted in Nepalgunj Medical College

Abstract

Introduction: The term respiratory distress is used to denote signs and symptoms of an abnormal respiratory pattern. A child with nasal flaring, tachypnea, chest wall retractions, stridor, grunting, dyspnea, or wheezing has respiratory distress Nasal flaring, although nonspecific, is an extremely important sign of distress in infants. Suprasternal, intercostal, and subcostal retractions are manifestations of increased inspiratory effort, weak chest wall, or both.

Aims: To describe the etiological and clinical profile of neonate with respiratory distress, and to assess the outcome of respiratory distress.

Methods: This study was hospital based cross-sectional study, conducted, Department of Pediatrics, Nepalgunj Medical college Teaching Hospital from October 2025 - April 2026. All newborn admitted during the study period were included in study.

Results: A total 110 neonates were included in the study. Among them, 49.1% (54) had birth weight of > 2500 gm, 30.9%(34) weighed 1500-2499 gm, 20.0%(22) weighed <1500 gm. Regarding gestational age 53.6%(59) were >37 weeks, 28.2%(31) were between of 32-36 weeks and 18.2%(20) were <32 weeks. Male neonates predominated with male to female ratio of 1.56:1. Vaginal delivery accounted for 51.8%(57) of cases while cesarean section accounted for 48.2%(53). Chest retraction and tachypnea were the most common clinical presentation. Transient tachypnea of new born, Meconium aspiration syndrome were more common among term neonate whereas respiratory distress syndrome was more common among preterm neonates. Among the studied neonates, 68.2%(75) were discharged, 24.5%(27) were expired and 7.3%(8) left against medical advice.

Conclusion: Prematurity was the most common cause of respiratory distress, with the majority of death due to Respiratory distress syndrome. Transient tachypnea of newborn and meconium aspiration syndrome were common in term neonates.