Determinants of outcome of neonatal surgical emergencies in Gombe: A 3-year retrospective review

Abstract

Background: Mortality associated with neonatal surgical emergencies is high, due to late presentation and delayed surgical intervention  in developing countries. The aim of this study is to determine factors associated with poor outcome of neonatal surgical emergencies at a  Federal Teaching Hospital Northeastern Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective study of 85 neonates aged 1-28 days was carried between June 2019-May 2022. Records of the neonates with surgical emergencies were retrieved and analyzed with the SPSS Version 20.

Results: A  total of 85 neonates, 55 (64.8%) males and 30(35.3%) females were analyzed. The average duration of symptoms at presentation is  about 5.3-day range 1-10days. About 51(60.0%) neonates presented after 24 hours of life 34(40.0%) within 24 hours of life, out of which  were 12(35.3%) neonates with gastroschisis presenting after 8hours with severe hypothermia axillary temperature of 32.1^o Celsius. The  46 (90.2%) neonates presenting after 24hours of life had travelled distances of 50- 100Kms to get to the hospital, out of which about  31(67.4%) arriving the following day, with about 9(29.0%) who had gastroschisis noticed to be lifeless at presentation. Overall, about 26(30.6%) died due to late presentation, delayed surgical intervention and lack radiant warmers.

Conclusion: Late presentation delayed  surgical intervention are common causes of mortality in neonates with surgical emergencies in Gombe