TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA OF THE NEWBORN: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, MANAGEMENT, AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY

Background: Transient tachypnea of the newborn is a common cause of early neonatal respiratory distress resulting from delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. Although it is usually self-limited, some neonates require respiratory support, referral, or prolonged hospitalization. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and management of neonates with transient tachypnea of the newborn and to evaluate their short-term hospital outcomes at Al Madaen General Hospital, Baghdad. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive observational study was conducted from March 2025 to August 2026 and included 167 neonates diagnosed with transient tachypnea of the newborn. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, respiratory support, investigations, hospital stay, and short-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: Among 167 neonates, 110 (65.9%) were male and 57 (34.1%) were female. The mean gestational age was 37.8 ± 1.3 weeks and mean birth weight was 3.02 ± 0.48 kg. Cesarean delivery occurred in 111 (66.5%) neonates. Mild respiratory distress was present in 79 (47.3%), moderate distress in 70 (41.9%), and severe distress in 18 (10.8%). Supplemental oxygen was used in 91 (54.5%), continuous positive airway pressure in 50 (29.9%), and mechanical ventilation in 6 (3.6%). The short-term outcome was improvement in 114 (68.3%), referral in 50 (29.9%), and death in 3 (1.8%). The mean hospital stay was 1.45 ± 1.00 days, with a median of 1 day. Outcome distribution did not differ significantly by sex (χ² = 2.58, P = 0.275). Hospital stay differed significantly according to outcome (Kruskal–Wallis H = 19.21, P <0.001). Conclusions: Transient tachypnea of the newborn in this cohort was predominantly a short-duration respiratory disorder with a generally favorable short-term outcome. Most neonates required only supportive respiratory management, while a smaller proportion required continuous positive airway pressure or mechanical ventilation. Early recognition, appropriate respiratory monitoring, and timely escalation or referral remain important components of neonatal care.