Neonatal pneumothorax causes mortality in 30-40% of cases. Neonatal pneumothorax is either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to a local lung disease
Aim of the study : to evaluate spontaneous pneumothorax in neonates and assess risk factors, causes, pathology, and treatment strategies to improve the outcome .
Cases and methods: 73 cases of had clinical examination, chest radiographs, as well as biochemical analyses, method of delivery, gestational and maternal ages, birth weight, Apgar scores, sex distribution, need of resuscitation at birth, postnatal age at diagnosis, affected side, presence or absence of primary pulmonary disease or congenital malformations, length of hospital stay, and mortality were done for all participants.
Results: Secondary was more to be encountered than idiopathic spontaneous in our study, with impressively lower mortality rate (8.9%). Risk factors for neonatal spontaneous pneumothorax were elective OS in older maternal ages, prematurity, male neonates, and those with low Apgar scores. Chest tube drainage is the best tool in treating neonatal pneumothorax.