[Mortality among mature neonates requiring intensive care]

Abstract

Causes of mortality among term infants hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during a period of five years were investigated. Among the 107 fatal cases analyzed, congenital malformation was the cause of death in 63 and hypoxia/asphyxia in 35 cases, whereas 9 newborns died primarily of infection. Though congenital malformation is the leading cause of mortality, nevertheless, also perinatal asphyxia and primary and secondary infections play an important role. The utmost importance of prevention and proper medical care is emphasized.