Factors related to duration of hospitalization and death in premature newborns

Abstract

Objective: To analyze factors related to prolonged hospitalization and death in premature newborns in a border region. Method: Cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection, which analyzed 951 medical records of premature newborns hospitalized between 2013 and 2017. The independent variables were maternal age, nationality, prenatal appointments, maternal intercurrences, gestational age, weight at birth, Apgar, complications; the dependent variables were days of hospitalization, discharge, death, and transference. The tests Pearson Chi-squared and Fisher’s Exact were employed. Results: Premature birth amounted to 10.3%; out of these, 43.3% were hospitalized. The prevalence of mortality was 21.3%. Few prenatal appointments, maternal intercurrences, low fifth minute Apgar, and the baby’s health complications increased days of hospitalization. Lower weight and gestational age, low Apgar and complications with the baby increased death. Conclusion: Understanding hospitalization aspects enabled the identification of factors that lead to complications to the premature newborn, which are relevant to efforts to overcome unfavorable outcomes and face challenges posed by the sequels throughout life. The integration between countries and their borders is a notorious condition to accelerate care processes and promote better outcomes.