Retrospective evaluation of cases with pneumothorax in our neonatal intensive care unit

Aim: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the patients who were followed up in the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital with the diagnosis of pneumothorax. Methods: The records of patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of pneumothorax in our neonatal intensive care unit between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Birth weight, sex, gestational week, mode of delivery, localization of pneumothorax, presence of underlying primary lung disease, and mortality were evaluated. Results: The mean birth weight of 35 patients (19 girls, 16 boys) who developed pneumothorax was 2200±1050 g and the mean gestational age was 33.2±5.1 weeks. Twenty-seven of the patients were delivered by cesarean section and 8 by normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. Pneumothorax was most common on the right side (n:19) and no patient had bilateral pneumothorax. 13 patients had received surfactant treatment before pneumothorax. The primary diagnoses were respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in 17 patients and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in 11 patients. 14 patients were resuscitated at birth. A thoracic tube was inserted in 22 patients, while 13 patients were followed up conservatively. Conclusions: The most common predisposing causes in patients with pneumothorax are RDS and TTN. Early diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax is life-saving. It should be kept in mind that pneumothorax may develop in patients who are followed up in the neonatal intensive care unit due to respiratory distress.