[Trends in perinatal, neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in Austria and Tyrol, with special reference to 1979-1988]

Analysis of neonatal, perinatal and infant mortality rates is a useful basis to compare the quality of neonatal care in a country. During the last decades these parameters have been falling steadily in Austria as well as in other industrialized countries. Regarding the various provinces of Austria substantial regional differences occur. Apparently the decline in mortality rates is not only contributable to medical progress but as strongly influenced by social and economic changes. In the mid-seventies absolute and relative neonatal mortality rates in Austria definitely decreased, most probably attributable to the installation of neonatal intensive care units. During 1968-1978 the decrease in neonatal mortality was mainly due to reduced first-day-mortality, whereas during the following decade it was mainly due to reduced mortality of the 2nd until 7th day of life. Interestingly, the rate of preterm infants in Austria remained virtually constant during 1968-1988 despite improved pre- and perinatal care. Paralleling the development in full-term neonates the peri-/neo- and postneonatal mortality rates of preterm infants decreased. Predictably - as in other countries - the highest improvement was found in the low birth weight groups Nevertheless, premature births have accounted for the majority of neonatal and perinatal deaths.