Determinants of neonatal outcome in a Malaysian maternity hospital, 1980-1981
Abdul Kader, H.
Malaysian Journal of Reproductive Health a Publication of the Reproductive Research Centre of the National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia 1(1): 11-18
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0127-3213 PMID: 12279886 Document Number: 201125
This article descripes the compilation and analysis of basic perinatal statistics in the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur (MHKL), the largest maternity hospital in the country. The study period covered is 1980-1. Because consented autopsies are difficult to obtain in the social and religious setting of Malaysia, the approach of clinical classification of causes of neonatal deaths was adopted. Determinants of neonatal mortality included very low birthweight (less than 1.5kg), gestational age of less than 32 weeks, and clinical conditions of asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome, bacterial sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome. The resulting charts underscore how simple neonatal data can be compiled to assess perinatal performance in a way which requires little statistical sophistication. Accurate perinatal statistics will enable better comprehension of preventable causes of perinatal deaths, and enhanced outcomes. Wider application of this approach is recommended in hospitals throughout Malaysia.