The Prevalence of Neonate Resuscitation and Some Related Factors in an Academic Center in the North of Iran

Abstract

Background: The phenomena of transformation from the intrauterine environment to independent breathing proceeds successfully in 90% of newborns. However, timely resuscitation is crucial for the 10% remaining. Objectives: We investigated the neonate resuscitation (NR) status, predisposing factors, and outcomes. Methods: This retrospective descriptive research was conducted at Al-Zahra hospital (Guilan-Iran) between April 2018 to March 2019. During the study period, all files of born neonates were reviewed, and relevant maternal and neonate information was extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 4,850 files were reviewed, and the data from 2,131 complete ones were analyzed. Among them, 14.1% needed resuscitation, 10.2% basic interventions, while 3.9% required advanced interventions. Neonate resuscitation outcome was significantly associated with gestational age (in less than 32 gestation weeks, 84.9% of neonates needed resuscitation) (P < 0.001), meconium staining of amniotic fluid (in 38.3% of cases whose amniotic fluid was stained with meconium, resuscitation was required) (P < 0.001), mode of delivery (in cesarean delivery, 18.7% of infants were resuscitated) (P < 0.001), birth weight (49.3% of infants weighing less than 2,500 grams needed resuscitation) (P < 0.001), multiple pregnancies (in multiple pregnancies, 66.1% resuscitation was needed (P < 0.001), Apgar score at minute 1 and 5 (in infants with an Apgar score below 7 in minute 1, 57.7% and in infants with an Apgar score below 7 in minute 5, 90.8% of neonates needed resuscitation) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Screening pregnant women for early detection of high-risk cases and attendance of a skilled NR team at the time of delivery results in better outcomes.