A study of neonatal deaths at the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria

A two-year prospective study of neonatal deaths at a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital is presented. There were 55 deaths among 1081 inborn live deliveries (50.88/1000). Low birthweight babies accounted for 60% of deaths. There were 49 (45.33/1000) perinatal deaths, 61% of which occurred within 24 hours. The mortality rate of term small-for-gestational age neonates was higher than that of their appropriate-for-gestational age counterparts (chi 2 = 4.55, P < 0.05). The mortality rate for 315 referred admissions was 400/1000. Referred very low birthweight babies had a better outcome than inborn ones. Severe infections, severe birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome and recurrent apnoea were among the leading causes of death in this study. There is a need for improved intensive care facilities for the high-risk newborn. Greater effort is required to improve early utilization of available maternity services.