Preterm Births, Frequency and Risk Factor Profile at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Over the last 20 years, preterm birth (PTB) rates have risen steadily and alarmingly. In 2022, approximately 2.3 million newborns died globally within the first 28 days of life, highlighting the critical vulnerability of this early period. Pakistan has the highest neonatal mortality rate 37.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023. Research identifies several contributing factors, including prematurity-related complications, birth defects, low vaccination coverage, unsafe deliveries, poor breastfeeding practices, SIDS, poverty, and an under-resourced healthcare system.

Study Design: To see the frequency in our setup and risk factors for prematurity.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Imran Idrees Teaching Hospital from 21^st March to 31^st August 2025. A total of 221 patients fulfilling were enrolled. A pre-designed, structured proforma was used for data collection.

Results: There were 85 (38.4%) preterms, among them 48 (56.5%) males and 37 (43.5%) females. Overall, hypertensive disorders and oligohydramnios were the predominant risk factors among females, with a low contribution of diabetes. Hypertension and oligohydramnios were common in both sexes; however, isolated hypertension in 7 cases (15.9%) and oligohydramnios in 7 (15.9%) were more frequent among females, whereas combined diabetes and hypertension in 2 cases (3.6%) were relatively more common in males.

Conclusion: Preterm birth affected 38.4% of deliveries, with a slight male predominance while hypertensive disorders and oligohydramnios were the leading risk factors overall, females showed a higher frequency of these complications.