Determinants of mortality in neonatal intestinal obstruction in Ile Ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Neonatal intestinal obstruction (NIO) is a common cause of mortality. This study determined the causes of mortality in patients with NIO at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile Ife. PATIENTS AND METHODS Records of all cases of NIO managed at OAUTHC between January 1996 and December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed and the possible factors that may result in mortality were analysed. RESULTS Sixty-three neonates with intestinal obstruction were managed, representing 24.3% of the neonatal admissions during the study period. Forty-two were males and 21 were females (M:F = 2:1). The majority (71.4%) of the patients presented within the first week of life. Anorectal malformation constituted 57.1% of the causes of NIO. Other causes included Hirschsprung's disease, duodenal atresia, intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus and jejunal atresia. There were 18 deaths, with a mortality rate of 28.6%. Reoperation, postoperative bleeding and peroperative sepsis were significant determinants of mortality. CONCLUSION NIO is associated with significant mortality in our centre. Repeat surgery, postoperative bleeding and sepsis were the significant factors that contributed to mortality in NIO.