Changing patterns of perinatal and infant mortality in Western Australia: implications for prevention

Area of Science:

• Perinatal and infant health research
• Public health surveillance
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Developed nations have observed substantial decreases in perinatal and infant mortality over the past century.
• Historical trends in Western Australia (1970-1981) indicate shifts in the leading causes of infant death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in birthweight-specific and cause-specific perinatal and infant mortality rates.
• To identify the primary causes of death in the perinatal and infant periods within Western Australia during the study timeframe.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of perinatal and infant mortality data.
• Analysis of mortality rates stratified by birthweight and cause of death.

Main Results:

• Congenital malformations emerged as a leading cause of death.
• Stillbirth of unknown cause, preterm birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) were identified as other major contributors to mortality.
• The study identified specific causes that remain significant challenges in reducing infant mortality.

Conclusions:

• Significant reductions in perinatal and infant mortality are unlikely without further investigation into the underlying reasons for congenital malformations, unknown stillbirths, preterm births, and cot deaths.
• Elucidating the etiology of these four key causes is crucial for future interventions and policy development aimed at further decreasing infant mortality rates.