Abstract

Aim: Objective: Neonatal mortality is an important national health problem. There are no sufficient data to address the incidence of this problem. The aim of this study is to estimate the annual mortality rate in our Neonatology Clinic and investigate the factors having impact on this rate for underlying the importance of this issue. Methods: The neonates admitted to Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Neonatology Clinic in 2006 were grouped according to the gestational age and birth weight. The charts of patients who died in neonatal period were retrospectively evaluated for demographic data and these patients were grouped according to the modified Wiggiesworth pehnatal mortality classification. Statistical analysis of the overall data was performed. Results: Of 1432 newborns admitted to our Clinic, 157 died with a mortality rate of 10.9%. The mortality rate in term babies was 2.8%, whereas it was 18.9% for preterms. The major mortality causes were asphyxia and congenital anomalies for term babies, and immaturity and infections for preterms. Conclusion: In order to decrease the mortality rate in Neonatology Clinics, optimal physical conditions and technical equipment as well as adeguate member of trained personnels should be maintained, organization should be well planned and perinatal care should be improved. Decreasing the rates of preterm delivery and congenital anomalies by the better obstetric care and perinatal organisation is also important.