Predisposing factors, incidence and mortality of pneumothorax in a neonatal intensive care unit in Isfahan, Iran.

Objective: To assess the predisposing factors, frequency and mortality of pneumothorax (PTX) among the newborns hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Isfahan, Iran.

Methods: The data of 43 cases of PTX among the 738 neonates hospitalized in the NICU were analyzed retrospectively according to gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, type of delivery, age of mother, parity, perinatal asphyxia, resuscitation at birth, side of PTX, mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, and underlying lung disorders.

Results: Mean gestational age was 31 weeks and birth weight was 1 596 g in the PTX cases.