Perinatal mortality: a hospital based study

Three thousand seven hundred and two deliveries between January and December, 1990 were the study subjects. The perinatal mortality rate (PNMR), stillbirth rate (SBR) and early neonatal death rates (ENDR) were found to be 57/1000, 35.1/1000 and 22.7/1000, respectively. The preterms had much higher PNMR, SBR and ENDR as compared to term babies. Term babies weighing > or = 2500 g had a PNMR of 18/1000. In preterm and term babies the mortality was reduced considerably with increase in birth weight (BW). The unbooked deliveries had significantly higher PNMR, SBR and ENDR compared to booked deliveries. The fall in PNMR compared to observations of a decade ago was due to a fall primarily in ENDR, with SBR remaining unchanged signifying failure of existing MCH set up. Nearly, 92% of ENDR were in first 72 hours which signifies the need for developing and strengthening the intensive care facilities along with timely referral of high risk mothers.