Abstract

AIM: This study explored neonatal morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients in central Vietnam and risk factors associated with mortality. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of all newborn infants (<28 days) hospitalised in a neonatal unit over a one-year period and followed until discharge. The main outcome measures were case fatality rate and the rate of different clinical diagnoses. RESULTS: There were 2,555 admissions during the study period. The leading primary causes of admissions were infections (41%), haematological problems such as jaundice (23%) and prematurity and its complications (18%). The overall case fatality rate was 8.6% and it was 59% among very low birth weight (<1,500 grams) neonates. Mortality was inversely associated with birth weight and gestational age. Of the 220 deaths, 57% occurred within the first seven days of life. Although the causes of death were often multifactorial, the leading primary causes were infections (32%), prematurity and its complications (25%), birth defects (24%) and birth asphyxia (6%). Risk factors associated with death were being outborn, early gestational age, small for gestational age, confirmed sepsis and birth defects. CONCLUSION: Mortality rates were high among hospitalised neonates in central Vietnam and this paper suggests interventions that might improve outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.