Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Dergisi
2014 , Vol 57 , Num 1
Assessment of the incidence and risk factors for lower respiratory tract infection in preterm infants discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit
Tepecik Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, 1Pediatri Uzmanı, 2Pediatri Doçenti *İletişim: esra.arun@gmail.com
Preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at
increased risk of rehospitalization after discharge, and the most common
indication for rehospitalization is a respiratory problem. The aim of the study
was to evaluate the incidence and perinatal risk factors for preterm infants who
are at high risk of rehospitalization due to lower respiratory tract infection
(LRTI). The present study enrolled 155 of an overall 255 babies of equal
or less than 32 weeks’ gestation discharged from the NICU and followed
up for LRTI during outpatient check-ups. Of the 155 babies, 80 were male
(51.6%) and 75 female (48.3%), and the mean birth weight was 1365 ± 355
g. Seventy-three (47%) babies had at least one LRTI and 34 of them (21.9%)
were rehospitalized. Incidence of LRTI was higher in those having a sibling
of school age (p=0.003). The hospitalization duration was longer for babies
who had LRTI (p=0.02). There was no statistical difference in respiratory
cyncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis between the LRTI and non-LRTI groups.
However, rehospitalized babies needed higher monoclonal antibody dose for
RSV prophylaxis in contrast to those not hospitalized. The starting time for
RSV prophylaxis was later in the hospitalized babies and showed statistical
significance. However, no difference was found in terms of the response to
the prophylaxis. Preterm babies have higher risk for development of LRTI
and thus need rehospitalization. We think that these high-risk babies should
be recognized earlier, and further, that preventive strategies and prophylactic
management will decrease the risk and need for rehospitalization.
Anahtar Kelimeler :
alt solunum yolu enfeksiyonu, prematüre bebek, respiratuar
sinsitiyal virus.