Mechanical Ventilation Outcomes at the NICU at EL-Zahraa University Hospital

Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most common therapies in the neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. MV is a complex and highly specialized area in neonatology that has several complications related to different modes, techniques, and devices. Aim of the Study: To detect the causes of morbidity and mortality in mechanically ventilated neonates and to correlate the neonatal morbidity and mortality with gestational age, birth weight and duration of MV. Patients and Methods: This prospective observation analytical study was carried out on 110 neonates who were admitted to NICU at Al-Zahraa university hospital on MV during the period from March 2019 to March 2020. All neonates were followed up till the time of discharge with record of any complications during mechanical ventilation. Detailed medical history, examination to detect indication of MV and laboratory, radiological investigations were recorded. As regard the general characterization of studied neonates, 64 (58.2%) were males while the rest 46 (41.8%) were females, 50 (45.4%) were full term (37 - 42 wks), 42 (38.18%) were early preterm (28 - 33 wks), 18 (16.3%) were late preterm (34 - 42 wks). Results: Among (110 mechanically ventilated neonates, 58.2% were males, 41.8% were females. The most common indication for MV in the studied cases was respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in 30% neonates. Ventilator associated pnemonia and Devices associated infection were the most common complications related to MV (19.1% and 11.8% respectively). While septic shock and multiorgan failure were the most common complications related to the underlying disease (24%). There is a significant negative association between gestational age, birth weight and mortality in mechanically ventilated neonates. the overall recovery was 59.1% among studied neonates. Conclusion: Respiratory disorders were the commonest indication of MV in NICU mostly RDS. Ventilator associated pneumonia and devices associated infection are common complications. Preterm and low birth weight neonates are vulnerable group for need of mechanical ventilation.