Author(s): P.C. Nayana Prabha, Rose Tresa George, Febi Francis
Mechanical ventilation has become an indispensable part of neonatal intensive care. There are many neonatal units both in the Government and private sector in Kerala, India offering this facility but data regarding profile and outcome of ventilated babies are limited. This study was undertaken to assess the indications, outcome, complications and factors affecting outcome in neonates requiring ventilation. This is a retrospective study of the first 100 ventilations undertaken in Government Medical College, Ernakulam. The indications, outcome, clinical and ventilator parameters were analysed. Out of 100 ventilated babies, the overall survival was 75%. Of the ventilated, 72 were preterm, 25 were term and 3 were postterm babies. The commonest indication for ventilation was hyaline membrane disease (HMD). Higher birth weight and gestational age were significantly associated with a better outcome. The best outcome was for birth asphyxia with 100% survival. The age at initiation of ventilation was significantly lower in the survivors. Complications which were independently predictive of death were disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and pulmonary hemorrhage.