DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i07.063

Pages: 2586-2590

Every year an estimated 4 million babies die in the first 4 weeks of life (the neonatal period). Three-quarters of neonatal deaths happen in the first week—the highest risk of death is on the first day of life. Almost all (99%) neonatal deaths arise in low-income and middle-income countries, yet most epidemiological and other research focuses on the 1% of deaths in rich countries. The highest numbers of neonatal deaths are in south-central Asian countries and the highest rates are generally in sub-Saharan Africa [5]. Aims and Objectives: To study the morbidity and mortality patterns in NICU of tertiary care hospital. Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective study from data of past four years from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2018. Factors affecting the neonatal mortality and morbidity were analyzed. Results: Total 13725 babies were admitted in our NICU, 113 babies were referred to higher institute, 524 babies left the hospital against medical advice. 60.4% were inborn and 39.6% outborn babies. Ratio of male to female was 1.35:1. 55.5% babies had birth weight >2500 grams. 62.6% babies were of gestational age >37 weeks. The major causes of morbidity were Perinatal asphyxia in 21.7%, Neonatal jaundice 18.8%, Sepsis/pneumonia/meningitis 11.8%, Hyaline Membrane Disease 7.7%, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome 7.9%. Mortality rate was 18.6% (2548). The major causes contributing to mortality were Perinatal asphyxia in 822 (32.3%), Hyaline Membrane Disease in 566(22.2%). Case Fatality Rate was highest with Hyaline Membrane Disease. Conclusions: This study identified Perinatal Asphyxia as major cause of morbidity. Perinatal Asphyxia, Hyaline Membrane Disease were the major contributors to the neonatal mortality and highest case fatality rate was seen in cases of HMD.