[Neonatal transitional care unit (author's transl)]

Statistical analysis between a two year period with a five year interval (1972-1975) in a neonatal transitional care unit is evaluated. Number of resucitations doubled and neonatal mortality in the first seven days of life as well as in the first twenty four hours decreased significantly, being newborns under 1,000 gr. of weight and malformations the first two causes of death in both periods. Factors related to hypoxia which accounted for other 25% of deaths should be prevented. Importance of this type of units in huge maternities is emphasized considering their role in immediate neonatal care.