In developing countries, neonatal mortality accounts for 50-70% of infant mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe morbidity and mortality patterns, with a focus on neonatal
infections, in a Tanzanian special care baby unit (SCBU). During a 3-month period, 246 consecutive admissions to the SCBU at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre were audited. Prematurity, low
birthweight and suspected
infection accounted for 61% of all admissions. The overall mortality rate was 19%, but varied considerably according to gestational age,
birthweight and diagnosis. Thirty-one neonates (two-thirds of all deaths) died during the 1st 24 hours of life. Of 27 infants admitted on grounds of perinatal
asphyxia, 11 (41%) died, and, of 19 infants with a gestational age <31 weeks, 13 (68%) died. More than two-thirds of all infants were treated with
antibiotics. Septicaemia confirmed by blood culture was found in 16 cases. The susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates did not indicate high rates of resistance to commonly used
antibacterial agents. A reduction in the number of preterm deliveries and improved
perinatal care to avoid and treat perinatal
asphyxia would be the two most important measures in reducing neonatal mortality in this setting.