(815) Correlation and Association of Neonatal Early Warning Score With Mortality Among Admitted Newborns

Introduction: The neonatal phase represents a pivotal period in life, critical for both survival and development and is the most susceptible period in an infant's life, demanding close observation and tailored interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Neonatal Early Warning Score (NEWS) in identifying deteriorating neonates and predicting mortality.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 500 newborn babies admitted to a tertiary care centre in Northern India. NEWS was recorded at admission (0h), 6h, 24h and 48h. The clinical course of the admitted neonates during the hospital stay was monitored and recorded. Mortality was compared with NEWS values

Results: A total of 500 newborns were enrolled. 64% were delivered through vaginal route and 36% via LSCS. 48% were inborn. The mean birth weight was 2.65+0.446 kg. The NEWS at zero, six, and 24 hours showed a significant positive correlation with the duration of hospital stay (p=0.001), indicating that as the NEWS rises, the length of hospitalization also tends to increase

Conclusions: This study concludes that the NEWS has a strong correlation with the duration of hospital stay. Such a correlation would not only validate the utility of the NEWS system as an effective prognostic tool but also offer valuable insights into the trajectory of neonatal health outcomes.