Investigation of Upper Respiratory Tract Pathologies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

AbstractAimRespiratory diseases are very common in neonatal intensive care units, but most of them are respiratory distress syndrome with lower respiratory pathologies, transient tachypnea of ​​newborn and meconium aspiration syndrome. Following the advances in neonatalology science, the survival of more babies and taking respiratory support for a longer period of time leads to possible upper respiratory tract pathologies in these babies. In addition, congenital anomalies are common in our country, where consanguineous marriages are still very common. In this study, we aimed to present the upper respiratory tract pathologies followed by congenital and acquired causes and to raise awareness of these dangerous diseases which are sometimes overlooked.Materials and MethodsIn this study, files of patients hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Selçuk University Medical Faculty between 2016-2019 were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsDuring this period, approximately 1800 babies were followed. 340 of these infants were asked to consult from Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with a preliminary diagnosis of upper respiratory tract pathology. Coanal atresia in 6 cases, vocal cord paralysis in 20 cases, subglottic stenosis in 2 cases and laryngomalacia in 14 cases were detected.Conclusion In the light of the developments in NICUs, more premature babies live and infants with severe congenital anomalies, especially congenital heart disease, are frequently undergone surgical procedures. As a result of these conditions, it is thought that upper respiratory tract pathology should be considered in the follow-up of the patients or in the post-operative period.