Preterm Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Prematurity is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income and middle-income countries like Nepal. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its burden. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among preterm neonates at a tertiary care hospital between 15 July 2022 to 14 July 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: F-NMC/557/078-079). Neonates with gestational age less than 37 weeks were included in the study. Total sampling method was used. Results: Among 980 neonates admitted to intensive care unit, preterm neonates were 112 (11.43%). A total of 69 (61.61%) neonates were outborn, and 65 (58.04%) were male. The median gestational age and birth weight were 32 weeks (Interquartile range: 30- 34 weeks) and 1500 gm (Interquartile range: 1300-1800 gm), respectively. There were 60 (53.57%) neonates with sepsis, 51 (45.54%) with neonatal jaundice and 38 (33.93%) with respiratory distress. Death occurred in 12 (10.71%) preterm neonates in the hospital. Conclusions: The prevalence of preterm neonates was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings.