A Review of Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Audit of facility-based morbidity and mortality patterns helps to improve the quality of care.

Objective: To audit and establish baseline data on neonatal morbidity and mortality patterns in a Tertiary Facility in southern Nigeria.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. The hospital records of babies admitted during the three years under review were retrieved for statistical analysis.

Results: Of the 409 records available for review, there were 236 (57.7%) males and 173 (42.3%) females. There were 177 (43.3%) in-born babies and 232 (56.7%) out-born babies, with 239 (58.4%) preterm babies and 156 (38.1%) having≥ 37 completed weeks of gestation. Neonatal sepsis was the commonest morbidity in 104 (25.4%) babies, followed by perinatal asphyxia in 93 (22.7%). Perinatal asphyxia was the commonest cause of mortality, with 48 (32.7%) deaths and 34 (23.1%) in neonatal sepsis. Two hundred and sixty-two babies (64.1%) were discharged home, while 147 (35.9%) died.

Conclusion: The facility-based neonatal mortality rate of 35.9% is unacceptably high. Neonatal sepsis and perinatal asphyxia were the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this facility. Therefore, the level of preparedness to manage these conditions must be optimised.