OBJECTIVES: to determine causes and variables related to newborn deaths of a neonate intensive care unite (ICU) in the Southern region of Brazil. METHODS: a descriptive study involving 2.247 newborns followed up until discharge date. Maternal variables were analyzed, as well as of the newborn and pregnancy, delivery and medical assistance variables. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to relate the variables studied with death occurrence. RESULTS: 184 deaths occurred, corresponding to a 8.2% lethality rate. Newborn mortality variables were the following: weight of <1.500g corresponding to 29.3%, with 61.3% under 1.000g and 5.6% over 1.000g. Low weight and premature newborns held a death risk four times higher than newborns weighing >2.500g or born at pregnancy term. Death related variables were weight of <2.000 grams, Apgar at 5' <4, no prenatal medical care, the need of delivery room resuscitation procedures and mechanic ventilation during hospitalization. Deaths basic causes were malformations (25.6%), maternal hypertension (17.9%) and maternal infections (12.0%). CONCLUSIONS: many of the deaths occurred because of the poor medical care offered to pregnant women and newborns, a challenge that need to be faced by neonatologists, obstetricians and the government.
Infant, newborn; Infant mortality; Risk factors
