DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i05.031

Pages: 539-544

Introduction: Prematurity is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource countries. Multicenter data on the clinical profile and management practices remain limited in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Objective: To describe the clinical profile, management modalities, and identify factors associated with mortality among preterm newborns in Kisangani. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study conducted in four health facilities in Kisangani from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. All admitted preterm newborns (<37 weeks of gestation) were consecutively included. Clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic data were collected using a standardized form. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with mortality. Results are expressed as Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 120 preterm newborns were included (24.9% of neonatal admissions). Overall mortality was 33.3%. Antibiotic therapy was administered in 98.3% of patients and 70.8% received resuscitation measures. In multivariate analysis, birth weight <1000 g (adjusted OR = 9.8; 95% CI: 1.8–52.6; p = 0.008) and gestational age <32 weeks (adjusted OR = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.7–18.2; p = 0.002) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: Prematurity is associated with high morbidity and mortality in this setting. Strengthening essential neonatal care and improving the management of high-risk preterm newborns are priorities.