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Early neonatal mortality at Songklanagarind Hospital from 1987 to 1997

P Chanvitan1, W Janjindamai, S Dissaneevate

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.

Insights

Low birth weight incidence slightly increased from 1987-1997, but early neonatal mortality rates significantly decreased, especially for very low birth weight infants. Congenital anomalies were a leading cause of early neonatal death.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Health
  • Perinatal Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The 11-year period from 1987 to 1997 saw 23,584 livebirths at Songklanagarind Hospital.
  • The average incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was 8.17%, showing a slight increase in the latter 6 years (8.53%) compared to the first 5 years (7.59%).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in low birth weight and early neonatal mortality rates.
  • To identify changes in causes of early neonatal death over an 11-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of livebirth data from 1987-1997.
  • Comparison of incidence and mortality rates between the first 5-year and last 6-year periods.
  • Analysis of causes of early neonatal mortality by birth weight groups.

Main Results:

  • Early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) decreased from 4.71 per 1000 livebirths in the first 5 years to 3.94 per 1000 livebirths in the last 6 years.
  • A marked reduction in ENMR was observed from 6.73 in 1987 to 1.52 per 1000 livebirths in 1997.
  • Early neonatal mortality for neonates <1000g and 1000-1499g significantly reduced from 57.14% to 16.67% and 50% to 6.25% respectively in the last 6 years.
  • Congenital anomalies were the primary cause of early neonatal death across most birth weight groups, except for neonates <1000g, where respiratory distress syndrome was the leading cause.

Conclusions:

  • Despite a slight increase in low birth weight, significant improvements in early neonatal survival were achieved.
  • Targeted interventions may be needed for specific conditions like respiratory distress syndrome in extremely low birth weight infants.

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