High incidence of poor in-hospital outcomes of term newborns with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy admitted at a regional referral hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Aim: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the leading causes of neonatal deaths and neurological impairment with the highest impact in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the incidence of poor in-hospital outcomes and related factors among newborns with HIE in Tanzania.

Methods: A prospective observational study in which 170 newborns with HIE (diagnosed using the Thompson clinical score) were followed from 1 September 2020 to 28 February 2021 at the neonatal ward of Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital in Dodoma, central Tanzania, until discharge or death. Clinical parameters were recorded. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to determine factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Results: Out of 170 newborns, 44.7% (76/170) had poor outcomes (death 27.1% (46/170); neurological deficits 17.6% (30/170)). Severe HIE (Thompson score > 14) (p < 0.0001), history of aspiration (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.170, 8.014], p = 0.0226) and 5th-min APGAR of <7 (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI [1.133, 7.310], p = 0.0262) were associated with mortality. Severe HIE, delivery at other facilities (AOR = 3.106 CI [1.158, 8.332], p = 0.0244) and abnormal heart rate (<100 or ≥160 beats/min) on admission (AOR = 3.469 [1.200, 10.030], p = 0.0216) predicted neurological impairment at discharge.

Conclusion: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is associated with a high incidence of poor outcomes in resource-limited settings. To improve outcomes newborns with severe HIE, history of aspiration, referred from other facilities, 5th-min APGAR score of <7 and abnormal heart rate need improved quality of neonatal care.