Patterns of morbidity and mortality among neonates seen in a tertiary hospital

Background: Neonatal period is the first 28 days after birth. It carries high risk of morbidity and mortality. This risk is higher in developing countries. Nigeria, where about 700 babies die daily, contributes about 8% of the world's annual neonatal deaths. There is a paucity of published study of neonatal morbidity and mortality in this part of Nigeria. Objectives: We determined the pattern of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and neonatal mortality rate in a public tertiary health facility in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We conducted a hospital-based retrospective study of all babies admitted during the neonatal period between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017. Data on the patients' age, weight, diagnosis, and outcome were extracted from their file and analyzed. Ethical clearance was obtained before the commencement of the study. Results: Records of 522 newborns were analyzed. Common morbidities were neonatal sepsis, prematurity, and birth asphyxia. The mortality rate was 13.2%. Highest mortality (44.8%) occurred within 24 h of admission, and neonatal tetanus had the highest case fatality rate of 42.8%. Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis, prematurity, and birth asphyxia were the major causes of morbidity. Mortality rate was high (13.2%), and tetanus had the highest case fatality rate. These can be prevented.