CUTANEOUS FINDINGS IN NEONATES IN A HOSPITAL SETTING: CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: Neonatal dermatoses by definition encompass the spectrum of cutaneous disorders that arise during the first 4 weeks of life. The appreciation of normal phenomena and their differentiation from the more significant cutaneous disorders of the newborn is critical for the dermatologists and pediatricians.

Material and methods: All inborn neonates <28 days of life including those visiting outpatient department (OPD) on follow up between June  2019 to December   2019 formed the baseline population and those with any skin lesions were included in the study. A detailed perinatal history and newborn examination of the baby was done by a pediatrician and all relevant details were recorded. Data was analyzed, and inferences were drawn using tables.

Results: Out of 2466 neonates, 2236 (90.7%) had skin lesions.  2236  neonates, 1246 (55.8%) were male and 990 (44.2%) were female. There were 1549 (69.2%) term, 660 (29.6%) preterm, and 27(1.2%) post term neonates. 1901 (68.8%) had birth weight >2.5kg while 627 (28%) had birth weight ?2.5kg. A total of 1609 (72%) and mothers of 21 (0.94%) neonates were < 20 years of age; 2012 (90%) in the age group of 20-30 years; 203 (9%) in the age group >30 years. 1459 (65.25%) neonates were born by normal vaginal delivery and 777 (34.75%) were born by cesarean section.

Conclusions: Incidence of neonatal dermatoses was found to be higher (55.8%) among males as compared to females (44.2%); among term babies; those with birth weight >2.5kg; those born normal vaginal delivery and those with maternal age 20-30 years.

Keywords: Dermatoses, Incidence, Neonate, Risk factors