Pattern of Perinatal Mortality in Babies Delivered at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria Aspects de la Mortalite Chez Des Bebes a L’Hôpital Universitaire d’Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Perinatal mortality remains a significant aspect of under-5 mortality, accounting for over 20% of underfive mortality in Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of perinatal mortality in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Data on socio-biologic, antenatal and peripartum characteristics of 1969 gravid women was obtained over a 7-month period (April 2006–October 2006). Data on the 2042 babies delivered was also taken and these babies were followed up till discharge or death. RESULTS: There were 166 perinatal deaths (106 stillbirths and 60 perinatal deaths) out of the 2042 live and stillbirths during the study period(%). The perinatal mortality rate was 81 per 1000 live and stillbirths with a stillbirth rate of 52 per 1000 live and stillbirths and an early neonatal mortality rate of 31 per 1000 livebirths. Among the stillbirths, fresh stillbirths predominated over macerated stillbirths (1.4:1). Severe perinatal asphyxia was the most important cause of death in all birthweight categories except in extremely low birthweight babies were immaturity was more important. Prolonged labour was responsible for 42.6 % of those with severe perinatal asphyxia. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to improve the monitoring of women in labour to reduce the prevalence of prolonged obstructed labour and increase capacity to provide essential newborn care. There is also need to improve on capacity and facilities for the management of babies with severe perinatal asphyxia and prematurity. WAJM 2012; 31(2): 102– 108.