Mortality/Morbidity in Newborns

Question 1

Which race has the highest infant mortality in the US?

Answer 1

African Americans (10.9/1000), Native Americans (8.1), Caucasians (5.1), Asians and Pacific Islanders (4.2)

Question 2

What maternal factors correspond with high neonatal mortality?

Answer 2

Risk Factors for Prematurity:

• Prior preterm birth (most sig. risk factor)
• Inadequate PNC
• Previous abortion
• Short interpregnancy interval
• Assisted reproduction
• Placental bleeding
• Fetal distress
• Erythroblastosis
• Nonimmune hydrops
• Uterine abnormalities
• Tobacco use
• Substance abuse (esp. cocaine)
• Maternal chronic disease
• Pre-E
• PROM
• Choriamnionitis
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Congenital anomalies
• Poly/oligohydramnios
• GBS
• STIs

Question 3

Which sex has the higher mortality rates?

Answer 3

Males

Question 4

What is the most significant risk factor for prematurity?

Answer 4

Previous premature birth

Question 5

For preterm infants, what independent risk factors correspond with increased mortality?

Answer 5

• Male
• 5-min APGAR <4
• Lack of antenatal steroids
• Persistent bradycardia at 5 mins
• Hypothermia
• IUGR

Question 6

What is the leading cause of infant death in the US?

Answer 6

Congenital malformations; ~20% of infant mortality