Evaluation of newborn patients applying to the pediatric emergency department

Aim: Due to the functional properties of systems, higher metabolic rate compared to adults and lack of defense functions, neonatal period constitutes a very different period of human life. Complaints of admission to the emergency department in the neonatal period vary. In this study, it was aimed to examine the reasons for newborn patients to apply to the pediatric emergency service, examination findings, laboratory and imaging tests requested in emergency services, the outcome of the emergency department, and to reach morbidity and mortality reducing information about newborn babies in line with the data we obtained. Material and method: In this prospective study, it was planned to examine 0-28 days old babies who were admitted to the pediatric emergency service between 15.10.2019 and 15.11.2019. Gender, age, birth weight, birth week, delivery type, application complaint, history characteristics, physical examination findings, diagnoses, laboratory and imaging tests requested from the patient, and emergency service outcome were recorded. Results: 144 cases were included in the study in a one month period. The most common three application complaints of the cases; jaundice in 49 (34,0%) cases, complaints about the gastrointestinal system in 43 (29,8%) cases and complaints about the neurological system in 39 (27,0%) cases. The three most common diagnoses of the subjects included in the study; neonatal jaundice in 47 (32,6%) cases, routine pediatric examination 33 (22,9%) cases and abdominal distension 32 (22,2%) cases. It was found that 120 (83.3%) of the cases were discharged from the emergency department after treatment, and 24 (16.6%) were treated by hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit or referral to another health institution. Conclusion: As a result of our study, it was determined that newborn patients most frequently applied to the pediatric emergency service with the complaint of jaundice and were most frequently diagnosed with neonatal jaundice. Healthcare professionals working in pediatric emergency services having knowledge and experience about pathological and physiological jaundice and newborns with risk factors for neonatal jaundice being identified in advance and families being warned about this issue will facilitate the reduction of possible hospitalizations due to neonatal jaundice and possible long-term complications. Key words: newborn, emergency services, pediatric emergency services, 0-28 days old, jaundice