PNEUMOTHORAX – RISK FACTORS IN NEWBORN INFANTS

Abstract

Aim. The main purpose is to evaluate the predisposing factors, the evolution and the associated pathology of the pneumothorax in the neonatal period. Materials and methods. Retrospective study over two years between 2014 and 2015 on 11 patients hospitalized in the Neonatology departement of “Louis Turcanu” Children’s Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, diagnosed with pneumothorax. Results. From 1689 newborn infants admitted, 11 patients developed pneumothorax, the incidence was 0.65%. 8 patients (73%) were males and 3 (27%) were females. 4 out of those 11 patients were term newborn infants (gestational age >37 weeks) and 7 patients were premature newborns (<37 weeks of gestational age). Based on the birth weight 4 patients had over 2,500 grams and 7 under 2,500 grams. The main cause of the pneumothorax in the study group was the respiratory distress syndrome (45,4%). Conclusions. Pneumothorax represents an important condition in the neonatal pathology, it is essential to recognize and initiate the treatment from early stages to reduce the complications.

Keywords

• : pneumothorax
• newborn