An audit of mortality pattern in the neonatology unit of the university of Uyo teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria: A seven-year review.

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 analyzed.
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.