A STUDY OF INFANT DEATHS IN A REGIONAL-HOSPITAL IN SAUDI-ARABIA

Objective: To determine the causes of infant mortalities occuring in a regional hospital with a view of documenting the specific causes of d eaths as well as their prevention. Setting: North-West Armed Forces Ho spital, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Material and methods: Restrosp ective analysis of all death review reports of infants (0-1 year), ove r a defined four year period from Ist of March 1991 to 28th Feb. 1995. Results: There were 180 infant deaths, 118 (65.6%) occured in the neo natal period (Ist 28 days of life), and 62 (34.4% in the post-neonatal period (28 days - one year). Three main causes of death were identifi ed: perinatal causes, genetic disorders and infection. We considered 4 4% of our infant deaths as preventable. Conclusion: The varieties of i nhereted disorders makes an imperative need for national screening pro gramme. There is a need to regionalize perinatal care for at - risk pr egnacies. Better access to tertiary health centers is a requisite.