Neonatal Statistics of Korea in 2002: Collective Results of Live-Births, and Neonatal Mortality Rates from 62 Hospitals

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the various nationwide statistical data for 2002 in Korea and to compare it to statistical data obtained in 1996. METHODS: Questionaires were distributed to 104 hospitals to obtain vital statistics for live-births, their gestational age and birth weight, incidence of preterm infants, low birth weight infants (LBWI), very LBWI (VLBWI), and neonatal mortality for year 2002. RESULTS: Based on 53, 831 inborn and 11, 151 outborn population, from 64 responded hospitals, the incidence of preterm, term, and postterm were 17.5%, 81.4%, and 1.1%, respectively among inborn group. The incidence of preterm among outborn group was lower than that of inborn. The incidences of LBWI, normal birth weight (2.5-4.0 kg) infants, and large birth weight (>4.0 kg) infants were 15.3%, 80.6%, and 4.2%, respectively among inborn group. The incidence of LBWI was lower in outborn group as compared with the inborn group. Overall neonatal mortality rates of preterm, term, and postterm were 5.5%, 0.3%, and 0% and those of LBWI, normal birth weight (2.5-4.0 kg) infants, and large birth weight (>4.0 kg) infants were 6.1%, 0.2%, and 0.1%, respectively. Neonatal mortality rates of VLBWI and extremely LBWI (ELBWI) were 22.5% and 43.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on statistical data obtained for 2002 from 64 hospitals, the incidence of preterm and LBWI increased, however, the neonatal mortality rates of LBWI and VLBWI declined in 2002 compared to 1996 in Korea. Further continuation of efforts need to be given to improve standarized neonatal care in Korea.