Neonatal pneumothorax: incidence, predisposing factors, and outcomes in a Libyan Neonatal Unit at Al Wahda Teaching Hospital, Derna

Abstract

Neonatal pneumothorax (NP) presents a significant challenge in neonatal care, often leading to respiratory distress and morbidity. Despite advancements, NP remains a leading cause of concern. This study aims to investigate the incidence, predisposing factors, survival, and outcomes associated with NP. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on the medical records of neonates admitted to a city hospital in Derna, Libya, from January 2016 to December 2021. Patients diagnosed with NP were identified, and their records were reviewed. Baseline characteristics, predisposing factors, and outcomes were analyzed. The incidence of NP was 1.37% among total live births and 8.3% among hospitalized neonates. Predisposing factors included respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and thoracic air leak. Survival rate was 79.2%, with mortality primarily associated with comorbidities such as cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Treatment involved chest tube placement, with a resolution time averaging 16 hours. Most cases occurred within 24 hours post-birth, primarily unilateral. The average hospital stay was 3 days. NP predominantly occurred within 24 hours post-birth, with a high survival rate. Predisposing factors included RDS and thoracic air leak. Survival was influenced by comorbidities such as CHD and IVH. These findings emphasize the importance of timely identification and management of NP and its associated risk factors to improve outcomes.