Respiratory disorders in newborns: A Five-Year retrospective study in a Secondary-Level hospital

Respiratory disorders are among the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and hospitalization, particularly in the early neonatal period.The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of newborns with respiratory disorders treated in a secondary-level hospital over a five-year period.A retrospective observational study was conducted including all newborns diagnosed with respiratory disorders and hospitalized at the Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital Pula.Demographic data, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, diagnoses, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and length of hospitalization were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Out of 1,853 hospitalized newborns, 140 (7.6%) were diagnosed with respiratory disorders.The majority were term newborns and male.Transient tachypnea of the newborn was the most common diagnosis, followed by respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal pneumonia.Most newborns were successfully treated with supplemental oxygen, while non-invasive ventilation was required in a smaller proportion and invasive mechanical ventilation in only a few cases.Respiratory disorders represent a significant burden in secondary-level neonatal care.Most cases can be effectively managed with timely diagnosis and appropriate respiratory support, reducing the need for transfer to tertiary centers.