Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcomes aspects of
neonatal respiratory distress in order to help reduce its impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study covering the period from 1st January
2017 to 31 December 2018 was conducted in the Neonatology Unit of the Centre Hospitalier
Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (West Africa). The
clinical records of newborns admitted for respiratory distress (n=305) were included in the study.
Results: Over the two-year period, the frequency of neonatal respiratory distress was 39.1%
(305/780). Factors of respiratory distress were early neonatal period (80%), male sex (60.7%), full
term birth (82.3%), and normal birth weight (66.3%). The Silverman and Andersen score was mild
(20.4%), moderate (68.5%), and severe (11.1%). The main causes of respiratory distress were
neonatal septicemic infection (59.3%) and perinatal asphyxia (30.5%). Treatment mainly includes
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, and oxygen therapy.
There were 83 deaths, giving a case-fatality rate of 27.2%. Major causes of death were sepsis
(13.1%) and perinatal asphyxia (9.8%).
Conclusion: Neonatal respiratory distress is common in our neonatal unit. In order to reduce
neonatal morbidity and mortality linked to this condition, action must be taken to combat neonatal
sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, and preterm birth.
Keywords: Newborn; hyaline membrane disease; transient tachypnea of the newborn; meconium
aspiration syndrome; congenital malformations.