Frequency of Preterm Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lima Regional Hospital, Guyana, from January to June 2026: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Preterm neonates are vulnerable to respiratory, infectious, metabolic, gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiovascular complications, and local data are needed to guide neonatal service planning. Objective: To determine the frequency and describe the clinical characteristics of preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Lima Regional Hospital, Guyana, from January to June 2026. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study reviewed delivery and neonatal records from 1 January to 30 June 2026. Variables included live births, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, gestational age, birth weight, sex, mode of delivery, maternal risk factors, neonatal complications and survival. Categorical data were summarised using frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 403 live births, 82 neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (20.3%); 35 were preterm, representing 8.7% of live births and 42.7% of admissions. Of the preterm neonates, 9 (25.7%) were 28–32 weeks, 11 (31.4%) were 32–34 weeks and 15 (42.9%) were 34–37 weeks. Twenty-seven (77.1%) weighed 1,500–2,500 g. Maternal infection-related factors and hypertension were frequently documented. Jaundice (62.9%), respiratory distress syndrome (42.9%) and necrotising enterocolitis (31.4%) were the leading complications. All 35 neonates survived the recorded hospitalisation period. Conclusion: Preterm neonates constituted a substantial proportion of admissions. The findings provide a hospital-based baseline, although the complete survival observed should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample and six-month study period.