Neonatal deaths in the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia: Experience in a Referral Neonatal Intesive Care Unit

We reviewed a total of 169 deaths among 969 infants referred from various health institutions in the Asir Region to the neonatal intensive care unit of Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, during a four-year period (January 1992 to December 1995). The results showed that the major causes of neonatal mortality in the region were low birth weight (LBW) (45%), congenital malformations (CM) (30.8%), infection (13.6%), and birth asphyxia (7.7%). The majority of the LBW infants died from respiratory insufficiency, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The alimentary, central nervous and cardiovascular systems were the parts most commonly involved in CM, with cardiac defect accounting for the highest fatality rate due to lack of facilities for cardiac surgery in the region, and delay in effecting a transfer. Klebsiella, Serratia and E. coli are the predominant organisms causing neonatal sepsis, in contrast with the group B streptococcus dominating in America and the United Kingdom. Generally, factors causing neonatal deaths in the Asir region are similar to those reported in other tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia, and tally closely with observations in America and Europe, where the standard of health care is excellent. Nevertheless, the study indicates the need for upgrading of facilities, as well as for more trained personnel for obstetric and neonatal care in Asir region. It may be necessary to consider the need for the establishment of a regional cardiac surgery center in the region.