Comparison of Congenital Pneumonia and Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

The Value of Systemic Inflammation Markers in Differentiating Congenital Pneumonia From TTN in Neonates

Accurate and timely differentiation between transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and congenital pneumonia is essential in neonatal care, as it facilitates prompt initiation of appropriate treatment, reduces the risk of complications, and minimizes inappropriate antibiotic use. This study aims to assess the clinical utility of inflammatory markers, including the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and the Systemic Immune-Response Index (SIRI), in distinguishing TTN from congenital pneumonia in neonates. In scenarios where conventional diagnostic methods prove insufficient, these indices may offer clinicians a reliable and objective diagnostic approach, thereby optimizing antibiotic stewardship and reducing the duration of hospitalization.

Patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital for respiratory distress will be analyzed.

The following data will be recorded in the "case report form" for each patient: age, gender,Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology- Perinatal Extension-II (SNAPPE-II), birth weight (SGA/LGA), mode of delivery (elective/emergency C-section and vaginal delivery), gravidity, parity, maternal age, maternal comorbidities (GDM, preeclampsia/eclampsia, hypothyroidism, chorioamnionitis, urinary tract infection, asthma, obesity, epilepsy), presence of premature rupture of membranes or fever, sibling history, low APGAR score (<7), leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, monocyte count, aspartate transferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood smear test, blood culture, tracheal aspirate culture, antibiotics used and their duration, chest X-ray findings, length of hospital stay, onset and duration of oxygen therapy and method of administration, need for mechanical ventilation, and morbidity and mortality status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Neonates born at ≥37 weeks of gestation,
• Admitted within the first 24 hours after birth with respiratory distress

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital anomalies
• Genetic syndromes
• Diagnosis of sepsis
• Patients without informed consent