Mortality Rate in Mechanically Ventilated Neonates: A Developing Country Experience

Background: Although a great improvement has been achieved in the outcome of sick neonates with the effectivewidespread introduction of mechanical ventilation in neonatal intensive care units, a significant proportion of highfatality is still detected among such patients. This study was conducted to identify the complications, outcome, andcauses of death among a sample of critically ill Egyptian neonates subjected to mechanical ventilation using pressurecontrolledmode.  Methods: The statistical population of this study were prospectively enrolled in the current study and consisted of ۲۴۰ eligible patients fulfilling the study inclusion criteria. Those with multiple congenital malformations or post-surgical cases were excluded from the study. The data regarding medical record, clinical examination, indication for mechanicalventilation, complications related to mechanical ventilation, and outcome were collected, recorded, and analyzed. Results: The incidence of complications related to mechanical ventilation was obtained at ۱۰۴ (۴۳.۳%), and VAP observedan increase (۲۰%). Furthermore, the complications related to disease patterns were reported to be ۵۶.۷% and ۲۲.۵% forsepsis and septic shock. It has been revealed that ۱۲۴ (۵۱.۷%) of the studied neonates had favorable outcomes; however,the remaining ۱۱۶ (۴۸.۳%) of the subjects passed away with a significant increase in the incidence of VAP (P=۰.۰۱۳). Itwas reported that smaller gestational age and lower birth weight were the most significant risk factors. Conclusion: In Egypt; as a developing country, the mortality rate among critically ill neonates undergoing mechanicalventilation with pressure-controlled mode was significantly high, approaching ۴۸.۳%, with VAP being the mostcommon cause of death.