Background: Respiratory distress (RD) is the most common problem in term newborn infants and it is the main cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and initiation of appropriate management are critical to ensure optimal outcomes. Objectives: To assess incidence, presentation, risk factors and causes of RD in term newborns at Thammasat University Hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 625 term newborns born between March 1st, 2017 to May 7th, 2017. Their clinical information, chest X-ray findings, and outcomes were collected from medical records. Results: Fifty-nine (9.4%) term newborns developed RD, and 92% had RD symptoms within 4 hours of life. Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTNB) was the most common cause (7.5 %).The significant RD risk factors in term newborns were maternal pregnancy induced hypertension (adjusted odd ratio OR 5.45, 95% confidence interval CI 1.3 - 23, P = 0.02), no antenatalcare (adjusted OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.2 - 22.5, P = 0.02), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (adjusted OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.1 - 7.6, P = 0.03), and large for gestational age (adjusted OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.1 - 6, P = 0.03). Conclusions: Our rate of RD in term neonates was 9.4%. We recommend that all term newborns be closely observed after birth for at least 4 hours as this is the most critical time in which RD may manifest. Health care practitioners must promptly recognize RD signs and symptoms and give appropriate treatment quickly.
Lokanuwatsatien et al. (Wed,) studied this question.