Characterizing airway obstruction syndrome in preterm neonates: A neonatology service study

Abstract

Introduction

Airway Blockage Syndrome (ABS) comprises a group of clinically recognizable disorders caused by alveolar rupture and subsequent escape of air into tissues where it should not be present.

Objective

To characterize the airway blockage syndrome in preterm newborns admitted in a Neonatology Service during the years 2020 and 2021.

Materials and methods

A descriptive study was conducted on newborns with a gestational age of less than 36.6 weeks who were treated for ABS. Data collected were statistically processed, represented in tables, and graphs.

Results and discussion

The incidence of airway blockage was found to be low. There was a predominance of births from dystocic cesarean delivery (55.5%), late preterm births (78.8%) with birth weight between 2000 and 2499 g (44.4%). Pneumomediastinum (50%) was the most common form of presentation. Diagnosis occurred within the first 24 h of life (88.9%). The 55,6 % did not receive ventilatory therapy, while in ventilated cases, invasive modality predominated, showing optimal recovery in most preterm newborns.

Conclusions

Variables most associated with this syndrome were gestational age, birth weight, the newborn's clinical condition at birth, and the use of ventilatory support.