Neonatal deaths in neonatal care unit and surgical ward of children welfare teaching hospital medical city-Baghdad [2005-2009]

ABSTRACT

Neonatal deaths in Iraq account for more than half of under-five children deaths. The rates vary according to causative factors in each area of the world. To have an idea about death rates and major causes of neonatal death in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital[CWTH], Medical City, Baghdad. The medical records of 1074 neonatal deaths in Neonatal Care Unit[NCU] and surgical unit from 2005-2009 in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, were studied retrospectively, especially for the cause of death as registered in the files. Neonatal deaths relative to admission [15.1%] distributed between Neonatal Care Unit and surgical ward into [11.38%] and [25.5%] respectively. Of 1074 total neonatal deaths, males were 653 [60.8%], 421 [39.2%] were females. Male to female ratio was 16. Major causes of death were congenital anomalies [53.2%], respiratory problems [20%] and neonatal infections [14%]. The results of this study indicate that neonatal death rates are still high, with congenital anomalies being the most common. More researches are needed to know the causes and the need for improvement in neonatal care services