Early neonatal mortality at Songklanagarind Hospital from 1987 to 1997

During the 11 year period (1987-1997), there were 23,584 livebirths at Songklanagarind Hospital. The average incidence of low birth weight was 8.17 per cent, it has increased slightly during the last 6 year period (8.53 per cent) compared to the first 5 year period (7.59 per cent). There has been little decrease in the early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) during the last 6 years (3.94 per 1000 livebirths) compared to the first 5 years (4.71 per 1000 livebirths). ENMR was markedly reduced when we compared ENMR of the first year (6.73 per 1000 livebirths in 1987) to the last year (1.52 per 1000 livebirths in 1997). During the last 6 year period, early neonatal mortality (ENM) of neonates less than 1000 g and 1000-1499 g has greatly reduced from 57.14 per cent to 16.67 per cent and from 50 per cent to 6.25 per cent respectively. The major cause of ENM was congenital anomalies in the first 5 year and the last 6 year period and all birth weight groups except the group less than 1000 g of which the leading cause of death was respiratory distress syndrome.