Risk Factors for Early Neonatal Death despite Cesarean Section

Objective: To identify the risk factors for early neonatal death (NND) despite cesarean section (CS). Methods: This case-control study was carried out between 1st February and 31st May, 2019. Files of women whose newborns died within seven days following CS and those of women whose newborns were alive seven days after CS were examined. The main variables recorded included maternal age, educational level, gestational age at delivery, number of antenatal visits done, whether the woman was referred or not, intrapartum fever or hemorrhage, indication of CS, decision delivery interval, birthweight and sex of newborn. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Fisher exact test, t-test and logistic regression were used for comparison. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our frequency of NND after CS was 4.8% (51/1053). Significant risk factors for NND after CS were birth weight <2000g (aOR 48.18, 95%CI 12.97-152.21), intra-partum hemorrhage (aOR 12.15, 95%CI 5.77-25.97), intra-partum fever (aOR 5.64, 95%CI 1.81-17.66), ˂4 antenatal visits (aOR 4.13, 95%CI 2.71-6.74), arrival ˃1h after referral (aOR 3.09, 95%CI 1.67-5.71) and primary school education level (aOR 2.39, 95%CI 1.16-4.92). Conclusion: From the risk factors identified above, we can recommend that women, especially those with primary school education level, should be counselled to attend at least four antenatal visits to allow the diagnosis and treatment of some diseases. Moreover, CS should be carried out as fast as possible in the cases of intrapartum hemorrhage. Women with intrapartum fever needs particular attention. Lastly, referral should be organized so that the woman arrives earlier.