Outcome Of Neonates On Mechanical Ventilation In The Newborn Care Unit Of A Rural Tertiary Care Center In India

Introduction : The survival rates of neonates with severe respiratory distress from a variety of causes have improved dramatically with mechanical ventilation.We conducted this study to estimate the ventilatory outcome of neonates in terms of survival rate. Materials and Methods :This was a retrospective study conducted on 137 neonates that satisfied our inclusion criteria and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation that were admitted in the neonatal unit of rural tertiary care centre in india from august 2020 to july 2023.The data regarding those babies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation was collected from our unit records and indications , survival outcome and risk factors associated was analysed. Results: During the period of our study 137 among 2084 neonates required invasive mechanical ventilation and satisfied our inclusive criteria. Of them 75 (54.7 %) being male and 62 (45.3 %) being female neonates. The most common cause requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in our study being Respiratory distress syndrome (51.8%) followed by perinatal asphyxia ( 22.6%) and the overall survival rate of neonates on mechanical ventilation was 53.2% with shock and pulmonary haemorrhage being significant complications associated with the mortality of the neonates. Conclusion : In our study, the survival rate of neonates receiving invasive mechanical ventilation was 53.2%. The commonest indication for invasive mechanical ventilation was respiratory distress syndrome linked to prematurity. Strengthening the neonatal units in rural public sector hospitals can improve the survival outcome by ensuring timely access to parenteral nutrition and surfactant supplies.