Trends in newborn mortality over a ten year period at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Annual mortality amongst 3845 infants cared for on the Special Care Baby Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, over a 10 year period ranged from 16.8% to 36.2%; there was a significant association between mortality and the male sex (p #lt0.05). An inverse relationship was observed between mortality and birth weight p #lt0.05. Low birth weight (LBW) followed by respiratory distress were clearly the two important causes; these were closely followed by septicaemia and birth asphyxia. Amongst the LBW infants, mortality was highest when the former was associated with septicaemia and/or respiratory distress. For appropriate reduction in mortality, it is concluded that ways of reducing low birth weight, septicaemia and birth asphyxia must be intensified. Additionally there is a need for early referral to tertiary centres which may be better equipped for complicated deliveries.