Sage Open Pediatr. 2025 Sep 25;12:30502225251376472. doi: 10.1177/30502225251376472. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.
ABSTRACT
Neonatal pneumonia often leads to respiratory failure (RF), with severity varying widely. This retrospective study of 107 neonates examined predictors of severe RF, focusing on prenatal, perinatal, and hematological factors. Neonates were grouped by RF severity: mild, moderate, and severe, based on respiratory support needs. Key findings revealed that early gestational age, low birth weight, and maternal fever significantly increased the likelihood of severe RF. Hematological markers, including elevated white blood cell counts, low hemoglobin, and high C-reactive protein, also emerged as strong predictors. The CRP-to-platelet ratio showed moderate promise as a diagnostic tool for identifying at-risk neonates. These results highlight the importance of early risk assessment in neonatal pneumonia, offering clinicians actionable insights to optimize care. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population, aligning with efforts to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
PMID:41019876 | PMC:PMC12464426 | DOI:10.1177/30502225251376472