The Association of Birth Defects or Birth Asphyxia with the Risk of Mortality and Morbidity in Premature Infants

<b>Introduction:</b> Preterm birth is a leading international health issue with morbidity and mortality risks. Premature infants frequently present with congenital anomalies or perinatal asphyxia, both of which contribute to prolonged hospitalization and greater need for respiratory support. This research investigates the effects of birth defects or asphyxia among premature infants on survival and recovery. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective cohort study was carried out in an NICU in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. We examined 120 medical records of premature infants diagnosed with birth defects or birth asphyxia to determine outcomes like mortality, morbidity, ventilation days, and the unit in which they stayed. <b>Results:</b> Infants with birth asphyxia had a lower mortality rate (13.2%) as opposed to birth defects (37.8%). The rate of improvement of infants with asphyxia (81.6%) was higher than that of infants with birth defects (58.5%). Infants who had birth defects needed more ventilation hospitalization compared to infants with birth asphyxia. The rates of blood count and ventilation failure were also higher in the birth defects group. <b>Discussion:</b> Birth defects exacerbate levels of mortality, length of hospital stay, and complications in preterm infants as opposed to asphyxiation during birth. <b>Conclusion:</b> Birth defects and birth asphyxia play an important role in the outcome of premature babies. Improved survival and fewer complications are linked to early recognition and individualized care.