Preterm births and their associated clinical outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency of preterm births and their associated clinical outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Study Design: Prospective Observational study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore. Period: Feb, 2024 to July 2024. Methods: The study included 219 preterm neonates delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. Data were collected on maternal complications, gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, APGAR scores, neonatal morbidities, and survival outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between maternal and neonatal factors and clinical outcomes. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 219 preterm neonates, 74.7% were delivered between 33–36 weeks, and 57.1% had a birth weight between 1.5–2.49 kg. The most common maternal complications were hypertension (41.7%) and premature rupture of membranes (34.8%). Neonatal jaundice (58.5%), respiratory distress syndrome (57.1%), and probable sepsis (55.3%) were the prevalent morbidities. Overall, 88% of neonates were discharged home. Survival outcomes were significantly associated with gestational age, birth weight, APGAR scores, feeding initiation, cesarean section, and hypothermia at presentation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of prematurity and associated morbidities was high. Early identification of maternal risk factors and adequate management of preterm neonates significantly improved survival. Enhancing maternal and neonatal care in resource-limited settings is essential to reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity.