A study of neonatal deaths at the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria
Njokanma, O.F.; Olanrewaju, D.M.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 98(3): 155-160
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 7783271 Document Number: 453385
Neonatal mortality accounts for 40-60% of all infant mortality in developing countries, or more than 50% of all childhood mortality. The authors present a two-year prospective study of neonatal deaths at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) in Sagamu, Nigeria, in which the findings for patients born in the hospital are compared with those for referred babies and the principal associated causes of mortality in various birthweight groups. During the study period, 1081 live babies were born at OSUTH, of whom 353 were admitted to the neonatal ward for various indications. 315 referred babies were also admitted. Altogether, 181 babies died, 55 of whom were inborn and 126 of whom were referred. Low birthweight babies accounted for 60% of deaths and there were 49 perinatal deaths, 61% of which occurred within 24 hours. The mortality rate of term small-for-gestational age neonates was higher than that of their appropriate-for-gestational age counterparts. Further, referred very low birthweight babies had a better outcome than inborn ones. Severe infections, severe birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, and recurrent apnoea were among the leading causes of death in the study. The authors note a need for improved intensive care facilities for the high-risk newborn and greater effort to improve the early utilization of available maternity services.