Newborns and infants mortality in the Central Pomerania Region of Poland (1983–1997) due to congenital malformations

Newborns and infants mortality data of 2 027 cases have been retrospectively analysed for the years 1983–1997. Congenital malformations, prematurity, infections and respiration distress syndrome in subsequent years of observation have been analysed, excluding small defects and anomalies which were not life threatening.



Results

The decreasing number of births was shown with a significant decreasing tendency of general newborns and infants mortality. During 1983–1997 the congenital malformations as a cause of newborns and infants deaths shifted from the third position (16%) followed by infections and RDS to the first position (34%) ahead of prematurity and RDS. The most frequent causes of newborns and infants deaths in the period between 1987 and 1997 were Congenital Hearth Defects (41%).



Conclusions

1. Congenital defects were the main causes of newborns and infants mortality in the Central Pomerania Region in the period between 1983 and 1998.

2. The frequency of deaths due to congenital malformations was comparable to data of other regions of Poland and data from literature.
3. The main cause of children death in the Central Pomerania Region were Congenital Heart Defects (41%).