Abstract

BACKGROUND
This study was performed to evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic pneumothorax in the full-term neonate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 symptomatic pneumothorax patients in the full term neonates who admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Ulsan Dong Kang General Hospital from January, 2000 to December, 2004. The subjects were divided into two groups according to underlying causes; spontaneous pneumothorax group and secondary pneumothorax group, then each clinical characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: Spontaneous pneumothorax patients were 10 (31%) and secondary pneumothorax patients were 22 (69%). Overall incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax was 0.4%. Most common cause of secondary pneumothorax was pneumonia. Twelve cases (54.5%) among secondary pneumothorax patients were associated with mechanical ventilator care. Clinical characteristics, courses and managements were similar between two groups, but more shorter duration of admission and chest-tube insertion in spontaneous pneumothorax group CONCLUSION: The patient with symptomatic pneumothorax needs careful observation and proper management with or without underlying respiratory diseases

• Keywords: Symptomatic pneumothorax;Full-term neonate