Causes of Illness and Preterm Infant Deaths in a Low Resource Setting in Southern Nigeria: A 5 Year Review
D. Briggs
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
P. Opara *
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
M. Okpani
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
A. Eneh
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: About 45% of deaths among under-fives occur during the neonatal period with a high contribution from preterm infant deaths. Regular evaluation of preterm deaths is important as patterns and therefore intervention may vary at different times and places.
Objectives: To determine the common causes of illness and death among preterm infants admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), over a 5 year period.
Methods: This was a retrospective review of data of preterm babies admitted to the SCBU from 2012 – 2016. Information obtained included biodata, nature of illness, duration of admission and outcomes. Data were collated and analyzed using SPSS v20 for windows.
Results: 3,071 babies were admitted in SCBU over the period, of which 683 (22.2%) were preterms. Of these, 421 (61.6%) were in-born while 262 (38.4%) were out-born. The male: female ratio was 0.9:1. Morbidity patterns varied with birth asphyxia (20%) ranking highest among in-borns while sepsis (21%) and neonatal jaundice (15%) were more prominent in out-borns. The overall preterm mortality rate was 24.6 % with rates being significantly higher in out-born 30.5% versus in-born 20.9% (p=0.004). Mortality was highest among low birth weight preterms. Admission rates decreased steadily over the period.
Conclusion: Birth asphyxia and sepsis were the main morbidities recorded. Mortality rates were higher among outborns. Low birth weight preterms were most affected because they were in the majority. There was a steady decline in admission rates. Improving obstetric care, neonatal resuscitation, infrastructure and subsidizing healthcare services for preterms is needful.
Keywords: Preterm, illness, admissions, deaths, low resource setting