Risk factors for mortality of preterm infants in the neonatal medicine department of the ‘Mère-Enfant’ University Hospital Centre of Libreville

Abstract

Background: Reducing neonatal mortality of preterm infants is a public health priority in developing countries. The objective of this study was to study the risk factors for mortality of preterm infants in the neonatology department of UHCME-JEF. Methods: A retrospective, analytical study was done over 36 months (January 2019-December 2021) in the neonatology department of UHCME-JEF. Maternal and newborn parameters were studied. All hospitalized preterm newborns were included. Results: The prevalence of prematurity was 44.6%. The mortality rate was 18.7%. The mean age of mothers was 28.05±6.5 years. They were unemployed (69.4%) and single (73.6%). The three main causes of death were sepsis (41.7%), respiratory failure (26.0%), and anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (15.3%). The risk factors associated with death were multiparity [p=0.001, OR=2.0, IC 95% (1.32-3.00)], pre-existing maternal diabetes [p=0.007, OR=2.4, IC 95% (1.31-4.52)], prenatal check-up not done [p=0, 024, OR=1.5 IC 95% (1.04-2.05)], GA<28SA [p<0.001, OR=1.8 IC 95% (1.24 -2.71)], Apgar <3 at the first [p=0.036, OR=1.8, IC 95% (1.21-2.76)] and fifth minute [p=0.010, OR=3.2, IC 95% (1.35-7.74)] resuscitation at birth [p=0.017, OR=1.5, IC 95% (1.04-2.05)], birth weight <1000 g (p=0.001, OR=2.8, IC 95% (1.92-4.23)], hypotonia [p=0.001, OR=1.6, IC 95% (1.23-2.32)], asphyxia [p=0.020, OR=1.7 CI 95% (1.09-2.55)], hypothermia [p<0.001, OR=2.1, CI 95% (1.56-2.86)], the presence of thrombocytopenia [p=0.001, OR=1.9, CI 95% (1.62-2.93)] and glycemic dysregulation [p=0.001, OR=2.8, CI 95% (2.09-3.73)]. Conclusions: The mortality of preterm newborns remains a major problem in our department. It is necessary to promote good surveillance of pregnancy, and correct care of premature infants in the delivery room and hospitalization.