Identification of causes of neonatal mortality using the ICD-10 classification: a study in neonatal intensive care units in Alexandria Governorate (MOHP).

In most developing countries, neonatal care has remained static or neglected for decades where neonatal mortality was 38/1000 live births compared to 6/1000 in developed countries. According to the World Health Organization (who) neonatal causes of death were infections (34%), asphyxia (28%), problems linked with preterm birth (23%) and congenital anomalies (10%). In Alexandria govemorate (A.R.E.) causes of death of,admitted neonates in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) were not recorded. The aim of the present study is to identify causes of neonatal deaths based on the International classification of diseases-10 (ICD-10) among admitted neonates in the NICU in MOHP hospitals in Alexandria so as to set preventive strategies to decrease the neonatal mortality. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 2424 neonates admitted through one year (April 2001-March 2002) in eight hospitals of MOHP. Certain modifications in the routinely collected monthly reports were necessary and a new computer program was developed in the Alexandria information center. Results revealed that hyaline membrane disease was the 1st cause of neonatal deaths (16.5%) followed by causes related to prematurity (15.8%). It was also the 1st causes of death of preterm neonates (27.5%). Birth asphyxia and congenital anomalies were the 1st and 2nd causes of death among full term neonates (21.7% each). Single dose of corticosteroid injection could be recommended for mothers expected to have a premature labor to decrease the incidence of hyaline membrane disease among preterm neonates.