Abstract

Introduction: Airway Blockage Syndrome (ABS) comprises a group of clinically recognizable disorders caused by alveolar rupture and subsequent escape of air into tissues where it should not be present. Objective: To characterize the airway blockage syndrome in preterm newborns admitted in a Neonatology Service during the years 2020 and 2021. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted on newborns with a gestational age of less than 36.6 weeks who were treated for ABS. Data collected were statistically processed, represented in tables, and graphs. Results and discussion: The incidence of airway blockage was found to be low. There was a predominance of births from dystocic cesarean delivery (55.5%), late preterm births (78.8%) with birth weight between 2000 and 2499 g (44.4%). Pneumomediastinum (50%) was the most common form of presentation. Diagnosis occurred within the first 24 h of life (88.9%). The 55,6 % did not receive ventilatory therapy, while in ventilated cases, invasive modality predominated, showing optimal recovery in most preterm newborns. Conclusions: Variables most associated with this syndrome were gestational age, birth weight, the newborn's clinical condition at birth, and the use of ventilatory support.