Prevalence of Nasal Septal Deviation in New-borns and Its Precipitating Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To estimate the prevalence of neonatal nasal septal deviation and to identify the precipitating factors. 250 neonates were examined on the 2nd day using Gray's struts for the presence of deviated nasal septum. Struts passing up to the 4 cm mark was taken to be normal, while struts getting stuck before the 4 cm mark was diagnosed to have deviated septum on that particular side. Out of 250 neonates, 49 had nasal septal deviation. There was significantly higher number of deviations in neonates of primiparas, emergency LSCS and in high birth weight babies. Neonatal septal deviation is quite common, being present in approximately 20% of all newborns. Greater amount of birth trauma increases its incidence further.