Introduction:The reduction of neonatal mortality requires the identification of its risk factors. The objective of this study was to assess the causes of death in term newborns at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center (CHU SO).
Material and method:This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study of term newborns who died in hospital. The main parameters studied were clinical and therapeutic data and causes of death.
Results:The hospital frequency of mortality of term newborns was 10.3%, of which 84.4% in the early neonatal period. Neonatal factors associated with early neonatal death were perinatal asphyxia, neonatal infection and congenital malformations, resuscitation in the delivery room. Inborn transfer and triple antibiotic therapy in the newborn were protective factors.
Conclusion:Neonatal mortality remains a major public health problem in Togo. Huge efforts remain to be made in the surveillance and followup of the mother, fetus and newborn.