RESUMO
In the period between 1983-1987, there were 101,056 births at Rajvithi hospital. Out of these, 6,158 sick newborn were transferred to Children's hospital for further care. The incidence of low birth-weight infants was 9.42 per cent. Average perinatal mortality was 14.49 per 1,000 births, ranging from 13.44 to 15.52 per 1,000 births. The major causes of early neonatal death were perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), immaturity (less than 1,000 g), congenital anomalies, and infection. Beyond this period (7-28 days of age) the causes of death were infection, congenital anomalies, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, apnea and others. Asphyxia and RDS are still the major causes of death that could be further reduced.