Neonatal pneumothorax: comparison between neonatal transfers and inborn infants

Objective: To assess the differences in clinical characteristics, management and outcome between the neonatal transfers and inborn neonates with pneumothorax. Methods: The records of 36 neonatal transfers (Group A) and 25 inborn (Group B) neonates with symptomatic pneumothorax were retrospectively analyzed. Results: In Group A, gestational age (36 2 vs. 31 4 weeks; P<0.01), birth weight (2720 537 vs. 1736 1028 g; P<0.01), exclusive oxygen-therapy before the event (47% vs. 20%; P<0.05) and tube thoracostomy (78% vs. 44%; P < 0.05) were significantly higher than in Group B. The need of resuscitation at birth (19% vs. 44%; P<0.05), conventional mechanical ventilation (20% vs. 56%; P<0.05), presence of associated major congenital malformations (0% vs. 20%; P<0.01), length of hospital stay (9 6 vs. 32 32 days; P=0.01) and mortality (0% vs. 16%; P=0.01) were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. Conclusions: Neonatal transfers and inborn neonates with pneumothorax have different clinical characteristics and outcome. This information could be useful for all persons involved in the interhospital care of perinatal patients.