Kasirye_Neonatal morbidity and mortality at Kenyatta National Hospital new born unit

Abstract

A prospective study on the morbidity and mortality pattern of 939 infants admitted at the newborn unit (NBU) at the Kenyatta National Hospital over a six month period is presented. 59.8% of admissions were low birth weight (LBW) and 61.9% were preterm. The overall mortality was 24.6%. Mortality was highest among infants weighing 2000g or less and those below 35 week: weeks gestation. Respiratory distress, asphyxia and infections were the main causes of morbidity and mortality. Jaundice, hypothermia and apnoea were the other major problems encountered.