Risk Factors and Outcome of Preterm Admissions in a Special Care Baby Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of preterm births, risk factors and the outcome in a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria. Setting and Methods: The study was based on the data of records of all preterm admissions over a three-year period at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Benue State. Results: During this period, a total of 778 neonates were admitted out of which 95 (12.0%) were preterm with gestational ages ranging from 21 - 36 weeks with an average mean gestational age 31.27 weeks (±3.2) and birth weights from 500 - 2490 g with a mean of 1440 g (±0.45). There were 48 males and 47 females (M: F 1.02). 76   (80.0%) were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery while 19 (20.0%) were delivered by caesarean section. 37 (39.0%) were delivered in BSUTH while 58 (61.0%) were delivered elsewhere and referred or brought into Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). The duration of hospital stay ranged from 1 - 90 days, with a mean duration of 17 days (±15.2 days). The commonest risk factor for prematurity was premature rupture of membrane followed by multiple pregnancy and lack of Ante natal care (ANC). The commonest morbidity in the patients in the present study was sepsis followed by respiratory problems and jaundice. Of the 95 preterm, 60 (63.2%) were discharged, 27 (28.4%) died, while 8 (8.4%) were discharged against medical advice (DAMA). Conclusion: Prematurity remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our SCBU. There is urgent need for the establishment of a neonatal intensive care unit with adequate manpower and appropriate equipment so as to improve the survival rates of this vulnerable group of patients.