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.