Abstract

PIP: The present study was undertaken to establish priorities in neonatal care and to ascertain the neonatal mortality pattern in a rural based medical college hospital. 123 neonatal deaths out of 1461 live births constituted the study material. The neonatal mortality rate was 84.2/1000 live births. The mortality in preterm, fullterm, and postterm infants was 43.13, 4.02, and 7.02% respectively (P0.001). The mortality in relation to birthweight was 100% (1000 g); 71.43% (1000-1499 g); 37.14% (1500-1999 g); 7.63% (2000-2499 g), and 2.94% (2500 g). Almost 70% of all deaths were due to severe birth anoxia and septicemia (including meningitis), either alone or in combination.