Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, Etiologies, and Outcomes of Newborns with Respiratory Distress in Zawia Medical Center, Libya

• Ridha Itrunbah

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya

  Author

• Baha Ettrmal

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya

  Author

• Zenab Elfzzani

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya

  Author

• Hatem Omar

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya

  Author

Respiratory distress (RD) is one of the most common causes of admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and early recognition is essential for timely management and improved neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated maternal and neonatal characteristics, etiologies, and outcomes of neonatal respiratory distress among neonates admitted to the NICU at Zawia Medical Center, Libya. A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical records of neonates admitted between 1 January and 31 December 2025. Of 5,300 deliveries during the study period, 2,600 neonates were admitted to the NICU, and 220 were diagnosed with RD. The prevalence of RD was 4.2% among all deliveries and 8.5% among NICU admissions. RD was more common among male neonates (54.1%) than female neonates (45.9%). More than half of affected neonates were term infants (56.8%), 54.5% had normal birth weight, and 60.9% were delivered by cesarean section. Most mothers had no documented illness (79.5%); urinary tract infection, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were reported in 5.9%, 4.1%, and 3.2% of mothers, respectively. The most common cause of RD was transient tachypnea of the newborn (39.1%), followed by respiratory distress syndrome (31.8%), sepsis (15.5%), and meconium aspiration syndrome (6.8%). Most neonates were discharged in good condition (95%), while mortality was 5%. Neonatal RD remains an important clinical problem at Zawia Medical Center. Improved antenatal care, appropriate timing of elective cesarean section, early recognition, and strengthened neonatal respiratory support may help reduce RD-related morbidity and mortality.

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