Hospital discharge rate for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns between 2021 and 2024 in Chile
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52611/confluencia.2026.1824Keywords:
Respiratory distress syndrome, Newborn, Infant, Newborn, Hospitalization, ChileAbstract
Introduction: Neonatal respiratory pathology is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and admission to neonatal intensive care units both globally and nationally, primarily affecting preterm infants. Objective: To determine the hospital discharge rate for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns in Chile between 2021 and 2024. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted using secondary statistical data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics. Central tendency analysis was performed using Excel software. Since the study utilized anonymous public data, ethics committee approval was not required. Result: The highest hospital discharge rate was recorded in 2024, reaching 15,41 per 1.000 live births. Males presented the highest hospital discharge rate during the period (16,92 per 1.000 live births). The longest average length of hospital stay occurred in 2022, with 26,13 days. Discussion: The increase in hospital discharge rate is associated with the rise in prematurity in Chile. The higher incidence in males is linked to hormonal factors influencing surfactant production, while the prolonged stay in 2022 suggests transient logistical challenges in the post-pandemic period. Conclusion: The hospital discharge rate shows an upward trend linked to prematurity in the country. This highlights the need to update national clinical guidelines and review local protocols to effectively address this public health priority.
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