Incidencia de alteraciones neurosensoriales y/o neurodesarrollo en neonatos de alto y moderado riesgo que requirieron ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales del Hospital del Niño Dr. Francisco De Icaza Bustamante, periodo 2020 - 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: this study investigates the relationship between risk factors and the incidence of neurosensory and neurodevelopmental disorders in high- and moderate-risk neonates. Objective: to determine the incidence of neurosensory and/or neurodevelopmental disorders in high- and moderate-risk neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Francisco Icaza Bustamante Children's Hospital during the period 2020–2023. Methodology: an observational study was conducted, evaluating neonates admitted to the unit, analyzing demographic, clinical, perinatal, neurological, and psychosocial variables. Risk ratios (RR) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated to determine significant associations. Results: there was a predominance of male neonates (61.4%) and a high percentage of full-term births (38-40 weeks gestation), although 31.7% were preterm (35-37 weeks). Among the neonates studied, 46.2% were preterm, and 35.2% had low birth weight. Despite 66.9% having Apgar scores above 7, 24.8% had lower scores, indicating the need for continuous monitoring. Mechanical ventilation was required in 48.3% of the cases, and the most common complications included hyperbilirubinemia (46.9%) and neonatal sepsis (73.1%). Significant perinatal risk factors were identified, including maternal age over 40 years (RR=2.5), insufficient prenatal care (RR=2.40), and malnutrition (RR=2.27), highlighting the importance of prenatal monitoring. Neurological risk factors such as psychomotor delay and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were associated with a significant risk of neurosensory disorders. Additionally, neonates from unplanned pregnancies had a significantly higher risk of neurological problems (RR=1.645). The incidence rate was 13.79% for neurosensory disorders and 32.41% for neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusion: early identification of risk factors and the implementation of appropriate interventions are essential to improve the quality of life for these neonates, reinforcing the need to enhance care and monitoring protocols for this vulnerable population.