A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Dehydration Fever in Newborns to Ascertain Associated Comorbid Conditions and Outcome Following Treatment

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Abstract (English)

Abstract
Aim: The objectives of the study were to determine the number of newborns admitted into the SNCU with
dehydration fever, to ascertain about other associated comorbid conditions, and to know the outcome of these
newborns following treatment.
Material & methods: It was an observational descriptive study where neonates were admitted in NICU with
dehydration fever over period of 1 year and hospital-based convenience sample were taken. This observational
descriptive study was undertaken at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Rohini, Delhi,
India. The study was conducted among 100 neonates admitted with dehydration fever. All babies born during
the study period who were admitted in NICU with hyper-natremic dehydration were included in the study.
Results: In the study among subjects presenting with hypernatremic dehydration, 26% of mothers were in the
age group <20 years, 50% in the age group 21 to 25 years, 24% were in the age group 26 to 30 years. Mean
mother age was 23.7±3.07 years and median age was 25 years. 85% were Primigravida and 15% were
Multigravida. 10% had gestational HTN, 6% had preeclampsia, 12% had PROM, 8% had vaginitis. 26% had
lactation failure, 74% had no lactation failure. 25% were on supplementary formula feeds. 34% presented with
fever, 20% had decreased urine output, 20% had fever + decreased urine output and 26% had jaundice.
Association between symptoms at presentation and neonatal factors neonates presenting on day 2, majority had
jaundice, on day 3, majority presented with fever, on day 4, majority presented with decreased urine output and
jaundice and on day 5, majority presented with decreased urine output. In the study, majority presented with
Jaundice, decreased urine output and fever +decreased urine output respectively and fever.
Conclusion: Dehydration fever occurs most commonly on day 3 or after, effective measures should be initiated
for early diagnosis and prevention of complications like effective breast-feeding counselling, proper techniques,
good latching and supplementation of artificial feeds if required and monitoring of daily weight and daily urine
output