Neonatal mortality in Argentina. Situation analysis from 2005 to 2014

Abstract

Introduction. Neonatal mortality (NM) refers to deaths occurring between birth and 27 days of life. This component of infant mortality has shown the least reduction over the past 50 years. . Disorders originating in the perinatal period and congenital malformations were the cause of more than 95% of neonatal deaths in this period. The relative significance of disorders originating in the perinatal period reduced, but that of congenital malformations increased. Preterm and low birth weight live births had the greatest risk of neonatal death. A younger gestational age and a lower birth weight resulted in a lower reduction of specific neonatal mortality rate. Conclusion. In the past 10 years, NM has reduced significantly. Disorders originating in the perinatal period and congenital malformations were the cause of almost all deaths in this age group. NM was associated with a low birth weight and prematurity.