Pattern of Neonatal Deaths autopsied at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore - A Three year study

Abstract

A study of trends in neonatal deaths is of vital importance which can be better understood through autopsy studies. Autopsy studies  are of greater help when the clinical manifestations are obscure. The study was based on autopsies conducted on neonatal deaths for a  duration of three years i.e. from January 2017 to December 2019 at Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Victoria  Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore. A meticulous post mortem examination coupled with use of  relevant autopsy ancillary investigations helped in arriving at the cause of death. In the present study it was observed that 50% of  cases were known and other 50% were unknown. Male and female babies constituted equal numbers. Majority (26%) were viable.  28.12% babies received treatment. Among preterm babies, hyaline membrane disease was the most common cause of death followed  by pneumonia. Among full term babies, respiratory failure was the common cause of death followed by head injury