A Cross-Sectional Study on the Profile and Clinical Outcomes of Neonates Detained in a Well-Baby Nursery at Tertiary Care Setting, Multan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical profile (jaundice, prematurity, low birth weight, feeding difficulties, respiratory distress) and clinical outcomes (recovery, neonatal intensive care units' referral, mortality) of neonates detained in the Well-Baby Nursery at CMH Multan.
Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Well-Baby Nursery, Combined Military Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from June 2025 to November 2025.
Methods: A total of 422 neonates with gestational age ≥35 weeks and birth weight ≥1.8 kg were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured proforma and hospital medical records. Information regarding maternal demographics, neonatal characteristics, mode of delivery, Apgar scores, reasons for admission, and clinical parameters at admission was recorded. Interventions such as phototherapy, supplemental feeding, and respiratory support were documented. Outcomes were categorized as discharge from Well-Baby Nursery, referral to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), or in-hospital
mortality. All neonates were managed according to standard institutional protocols.
Results: Respiratory difficulty was the most common condition (33.6%) and was more frequent among neonates referred to NICU (44.5%) than those discharged (28.9%). Feeding difficulty (18.5%) and low birth weight (15.6%) were also significantly associated with NICU referral. Prematurity (18.2%) and neonatal jaundice (14.0%) showed no major difference between outcome groups. Overall, respiratory difficulty, feeding difficulty, and low birth weight were the strongest predictors of NICU transfer.
Conclusion: Respiratory and feeding difficulties are the leading causes of referral from the Well-Baby Nursery to the NICU. Strengthening Well-Baby Nursery infrastructure, improving staff training, and implementing standardized care protocols can promote early identification, timely intervention, and safe discharge, thereby reducing unnecessary NICU admissions and optimizing resource utilization.

How to cite this: Abbas MS, Shafiq MF. A Cross-Sectional Study on the Profile and Clinical Outcomes of Neonates Detained in a Well-Baby
Nursery at Tertiary Care Setting, Multan. Life and Science. 2026; 7(2): 218-224. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.1083