Determining the Utility of pH Levels in Predicting Neonatal Outcomes in NICU

Dr. Raheel Aralimatti, Dr. Amrita Koti, Dr. Shyam Sundar S, Dr. Praveenkumar Sindhoor

Abstract: Background: admission of neonates to NICU has increased over time. The adequate management of neonates demands the serial monitoring of metabolic parameters like pH with arterial blood gas status. Objective: To determine the utility of pH levels in predicting neonatal outcomes. Study design: A prospective observational study. Materials and methods: A total of 121 newborns who were admitted to NICU, were studied during their period of stay. The study period lasted for 12 months, it was carried out after the obtaining an informed consent from parents of every newborn. The arterial blood sample was taken to assess the pH with ABL800 fully automated machine. The data was entered in MS EXCEL spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, 92.56% got discharged and 7.44% study subjects expired . O2 / MV therapy/ CPAP were required in 83.47% cases. Mean duration of O2/ MV therapy/ CPAP was 2.68 ? 2.09 days. Total mean duration of hospital stay and NICU stay were 12.37 ? 7.02 and 10.87 ? 6.63 days, respectively. For prediction of mortality, pH was a significant predictor at 12, 24 and 48 hours. For the requirement of O2 /MV/CPAP/HFNC, pH was a significant predictor only at 24hours. There was a significant positive correlation of pH at 12 hours (r=0.205, p=0.0241) with hospital stay. Conclusion: It can be concluded that serial estimation of pH may help in determining the outcome of the NICU admitted neonates and their outcomes.

Keywords: pH, Neonate, Mortality, Arterial Blood Gas(ABG),Respiratory support, Hospital stay

How to Cite?: Dr. Raheel Aralimatti, Dr. Amrita Koti, Dr. Shyam Sundar S, Dr. Praveenkumar Sindhoor, "Determining the Utility of pH Levels in Predicting Neonatal Outcomes in NICU", Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1582-1586, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR23920132411, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR23920132411