An evaluation of mortality pattern in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre from western Uttar Pradesh

Neonatal mortality is one of the very important indicators, which reflect country’s development. A better understanding of events determining the mortality of neonates could contribute to a more effective approach to saving their lives. The aim is to assess the mortality pattern in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre from western Uttar Pradesh. Retrospective cohort of pediatric patients admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of FH Medical College during 1 st January 2015 to 31 st December 2015 formed the study population. Study tools were records of the neonates such as information from Medical Records Department (MRD). Medical records were reviewed for data on antenatal care, maternal morbidity, mode and place of delivery, age, weight at admission, gestational age, diagnosis, relevant investigations, duration of stay and outcome etc. Overall NICU mortality rate was 14.05%. The majority of the causes of neonatal morbidity were low birth weight (LBW) (36.8%), neonatal sepsis (22.2%), neonatal jaundice/hyperbilirubinaemia (17.8%), birth asphyxia with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) (16.2 %), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) (14.6%) and hyaline membrane disease (10.8%). Neonatal sepsis (24.3%), prematurity with low birth weight (16.2%), and prematurity with respiratory distress syndrome (10.8%) were other common causes for referral for out born neonates. 23.1% of total deaths occurred in neonates weighing >2.5 Kg, while 76.9.9% occurred in <2.5kg birth weight group. Major contributors to the neonatal mortality in our setup are LBW, neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, birth asphyxia with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), IUGR and hyaline membrane disease. Outcomes of this study can be utilized in planning and modifying existing health care services for improved care of the newborn.