Clinical profile of dehydration fever in neonates in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical profile of neonates admitted with dehydration fever and ascertain the maternal and neonatal factors affecting it.Methods: A observational descriptive study was conducted at Rajarajeswari Medical College and hospital, population included neonates who were admitted in NICU with dehydration fever.Results: The study were conducted among 50 neonates admitted with dehydration fever. Majority of neonates (72%) were diagnosed with dehydration fever on day 3 of life. 84 % neonates were born to primiparous mothers. In the study there was significant difference in mean birth weight, weight at admission and percentage of weight loss between birth weight and weight at admission with respect to symptoms on presentation. Mean % of weight loss was 12.06 when dehydration fever was presented with fever, 11.29 when dehydration fever presented with decreased urine output, 18.44 when presented with both fever and decreased urine output and 12.73 when presented with jaundice these values were statistically significant.Conclusions: Dehydration fever occurs most commonly on day 3 or after, effective measures should be initiated for early diagnosis and prevention of complications like effective breast-feeding counselling, proper techniques, good latching and supplementation of artificial feeds if required and monitoring of daily weight and daily urine output.