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Review
. 2024 May 23;65(2):213-221.
doi: 10.60787/nmj-v65i2-410. eCollection 2024 Mar-Apr.

An Audit of Mortality Pattern in the Neonatology Unit of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria: A Seven-Year Review

Enobong Edet Ekpenyong  1 , Usenobong Morgan Akpan  1 , Iso Precious Oloyede  1 , Ifunanya Ularinma Ebiekpi  1 , Utibe David David  1
Affiliations
Review

An Audit of Mortality Pattern in the Neonatology Unit of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria: A Seven-Year Review

Enobong Edet Ekpenyong et al. Niger Med J. .

Abstract

Background: Most neonatal deaths occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). These deaths can be prevented through universal access to basic high-quality in-patient health services. Prematurity, neonatal sepsis, and perinatal asphyxia have been reported as the leading causes of in-patient neonatal deaths. This study aimed to assess the trend of neonatal mortality in our hospital, determine the pattern and causes of neonatal mortality, and evaluate the factors associated with neonatal mortality in our facility.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the Special Care Babies Unit (SCBU) and Sick Babies Unit (SBU) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, over seven years (2015-2021). Demographic, clinical, and mortality data was extracted from the case record files of patients into a structured proforma and analysed.

Results: There was a total of 228 deaths comprising 130 males (57.02%) and 98 (42.98%) females. The median age at demise was 4.00 (IQR = 1.00 - 12.00) days for both genders. The majority (71.50%) of deaths occurred in the Sick Babies Unit. More males died than females (57% vs 43%). The three leading causes of death were: prematurity (38.60%), neonatal sepsis (38.16%), and birth asphyxia (13.60%).

Conclusion: The leading causes of neonatal mortality in our environment are prematurity and neonatal sepsis. There is a need for increased community education on antenatal care, training of traditional birth attendants, improved newborn transportation facilities, and provision of neonatal intensive care facilities.

Keywords: Audit; Neonatal Mortality; Nigeria; UUTH.

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Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Distribution of mortality between 2015 - 2021.
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Distribution of mortality based on Sex.
Figure 3:
Figure 3:
Common causes of mortality in neonates
Figure 4:
Figure 4:
Occurrence of some diseases within the time under review
Figure 5:
Figure 5:
Mortality in the SBU compared to SCBU.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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