Transient tachypnea of the newborn:: Predictive factor for prolonged tachypnea

Background: Because there is a lack of well-established criteria, the aim of the present paper was to determine risk factors to predict the duration of tachypnea in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). Methods: Data from 95 newborns with TTN were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between patients in whom tachypnea lasted < 72 h (group 1) or > 72 h (group 2). Results: Male gender, prematurity and delivery by cesarean section were the major risk factors for TTN. Parenteral furosemide had no effect on the clinical course. Peak respiratory rate (RRpeak) at the first 36 h was significantly higher in group 2 (P > 0.000). The cut-off for RRpeak during the first 36 h (RRpeak36) was 90/min and RRpeak36 > 90/min caused a 7.04-fold risk of prolonged tachypnea. White blood cell count and hematocrit levels were lower whereas duration of hospitalization and antibiotic treatment were longer in group 2. Conclusions: Assessment of RRpeak36 may be useful in predicting clinical course of TTN.