Abstract

Background: Neonatal period is the weakest period of life as it causes high rates of morbidity and mortality due to various diseases, especially in preterm infants and those with low birth weight. Aim of the present study: assessment of the risk factors and incidence of neonatal mortality in neonatal intensive care units in Tanta city. Subjects and Methods: Multi-centric prospective Cohort study that was conduct in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Tanta city (5 public centers and 10 private centers). The duration was 6 months from August 2017 to January 2018. Results: Incidence of neonatal mortality among the studied sample during a period of six months was 27.7%. The most common cause of neonatal deaths was prematurity (39.4%). Cesarean section was the highest maternal risk factors (64.3%) among the study sample. Positive consanguinity was found in 52% and had statistically significant on neonatal mortality. There was no statistically significant difference between survived and expired neonates, while gestational age and birth weight were statistically significant. Neonatal mortality was higher between lower gestational age and lower birth weight. Conclusion: Neonatal mortality rates were found to be significantly high in prematurity, low gestational age, low birth weight, cesarean section and positive consanguinity. Improvement of health care qualities is needed to control the preventable risk factors and decrease neonatal morality. Keywords: Neonatal mortality, Neonatal intensive care units.

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