Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of physical and laboratory findings to determine the length of hospital stay and oxygen requirement in patients diagnosed with transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Materials and Methods: Patients with respiratory distress symptoms that last more than 24 hours were admitted to the study. Sixty infants were analysed at the fourth hour and then daily in respect to their retraction scores, respiratory rates, urine outputs, blood gas measurements, and length of hospital stay. Infants were grouped into four categories according to their retraction scores and treatment modalities.
Results: In the multiple regression analysis, the retraction scores and base excesses on the first day together with the urine output of the second-day were found to explain the 73% of the variance in the length of hospital stay and 68,7% of the variance in the oxygen requirement. The most important factor was found to be the retraction score of the first day. Boys were found to have five times higher risk than girls for severe transient tachypnea (OR: 5,06 %95 CI: 1,1-23,3, p: 0,037). Cesarean section, prematurity, and birth weight were not found to be risk factors for severe respiratory insufficiency.
Conclusion: The present study proposes that clinicians may use the retraction scores to predict the length of hospital stay and oxygen requirements in neonates with transient tachypnea. The increase in urine output may be a sign of recovery. Male infants have five times higher risk of severe respiratory insufficiency due to transient tachypnea.
Key words: Blood Gas Analysis; Neonatology; Neonatal Intensive Care; Respiratory Insufficiency; Transient Tachypnea of The Newborn.
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