Prospective cohort study of mortality in very low birthweight infants in a single centre in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neonatal mortality is a major contributor worldwide to the number of deaths in children under 5 years of age. The primary objective of this study was to assess the overall mortality rate of babies with a birth weight equal or below 1500 g in a neonatal unit at a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Furthermore, different maternal-related and infant-related factors for higher mortality were analysed.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study which included infants admitted to the neonatal wards of the hospital within their first 24 hours of life and with a birth weight equal to or below 1500 g. Mothers who consented answered a questionnaire to identify factors for mortality.

Results

173 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were recr

SUBMITTER: Michaelis IA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7893654 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature