Introduction

Prematurity and infections are common causes of death among children less than five years old.

Objective

To determine the community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections(CA-LRTI) and risk factors during the first year of a premature newborn.

Methodology

A prospective observational study on CA-LRTI of premature newborns delivered (25+0 to 33+6 gestational weeks) from 1st July 2020 to 31st July 2021 in a tertiary children's hospital, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Results

A total of 358 premature newborns (mean birth weight of 1567.4+5.4 g and mean gestational age of 31.1+ 2.4 weeks) included. There were 12% extremely preterm, 38.5% very preterm and 49.4% moderate to late preterm. The mortality rate was 8.9% and 16% developed Bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD). The median age at discharge and hospital stay were 36+1 and 30.5 days respectively. About 13.6% of premature newborns required hospitalization beyond 40 weeks gastational age. A total of 294 were followed up at 6 months. During this period,15 were admitted for CA-LRTI with the highest respiratory support of intubation(2), non-invasive ventilation(NIV,4) and oxygen therapy(4). Severity of prematurity and BPD were not shown to have a higher risk for CA-LRTI. Among 293 infants followed up from 6 until 12 months of age, 39 had CA-LRTI with 30 required admission and  respiratory support including intubation (2), NIV (8) and oxygen therapy (20). Common viral pathogens were respiratory syncitial virus(10) and coronavirus(10).

Conclusion

BPD is one of the premature newborns' complication but not a risk factor for Community-acquired LRTI in the first 12 months of their life.