Neonatal pneumothorax: comparison between neonatal transfers and inborn infants.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the differences in clinical characteristics, management and outcome between the neonatal transfers and inborn neonates with pneumothorax.


METHODS
The records of 36 neonatal transfers (Group A) and 25 inborn (Group B) neonates with symptomatic pneumothorax were retrospectively analyzed.


RESULTS
In Group A, gestational age (36+/-2 vs. 31+/-4 weeks; P<0.01), birth weight (2720+/-537 vs. 1736+/-1028 g; P<0.01), exclusive oxygen-therapy before the event (47% vs. 20%; P<0.05) and tube thoracostomy (78% vs. 44%; P<0.05) were significantly higher than in Group B. The need of resuscitation at birth (19% vs. 44%; P<0.05), conventional mechanical ventilation (20% vs. 56%; P<0.05), presence of associated major congenital malformations (0% vs. 20%; P<0.01), length of hospital stay (9+/-6 vs. 32+/-32 days; P=0.01) and mortality (0% vs. 16%; P=0.01) were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B.


CONCLUSIONS
Neonatal transfers and inborn neonates with pneumothorax have different clinical characteristics and outcome. This information could be useful for all persons involved in the interhospital care of perinatal patients.
Trevisanuto
Daniele
D
Pediatric Department, Medical School, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. daniele.trevisanúto@uniped.it
Doglioni
Nicoletta
N
Ferrarese
Paola
P
Vedovato
Stefania
S
Cosmi
Erich
E
Zanardo
Vincenzo
V
D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies