Patterns and Management Outcomes of Neonatal Acute Surgical Conditions in Alexandria, Egypt.

Background: Neonatal acute surgical conditions significantly contribute to high morbidity and mortality among neonates particularly in low resource settings.The main objective of this study was to determine the pattern and management outcomes of acute surgical conditions in neonates.
Methods: A one year prospective study was conducted at El Shatby hospital, Alexandria, Egypt between February 2014 and January 2015. Only neonates who were operated for acute surgical conditions were included in the study.
Results: A total of 156 neonates were studied. The males accounted for 103 (66.0%) for the cases. The M: F sex ratio was 1.9:1(P=0.02). The ages ranged from 5 hours to 30 days. The median age was 6 days. The majority had normal birth weight (≥ 2.5 kg), 84.0% (131) (mean 2.9 (± 0.5SD) kg), P=0.03. The most common conditions were oesophageal atresia 15.4% (24), anorectal malformation 13.5% (21) and intestinal atresia 12.8% (20). Overall 17.9 % (28) of neonates had postoperative complications with wound sepsis being the commonest postoperative complication. The mortality was 20.5% (32) with high mortality seen among low birth weight neonates, P= 0.00, and in those with other medical conditions, P=0.04.
Conclusion: High morbidity and mortality occur among neonates with acute surgical conditions and so adequate maternal health care, facilities and personnel are essential for the best out comes.