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Project pro-natal: Population-based study of perinatal and infant mortality in natal, Northeast Brazil

Maranh�o, T�cia D.O.; Pollock, Jon I.; Emond, Alan M.; Macedo, Albanita S.; Pollock, Jon; Ramos, Ana Maria O.

Authors

T�cia D.O. Maranh�o

Jon I. Pollock

Alan M. Emond

Albanita S. Macedo

Jon Pollock Jon.Pollock@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Epidemiology

Ana Maria O. Ramos



Abstract

The Pro-Natal project is a collaborative initiative that aims to improve maternal and infant health in a deprived community in Natal, Northeast Brazil. To assess the perinatal and infant mortality in this population of 40,000, we have collected over a 2-year period a consecutive series of 39 autopsy examinations on deaths under 1 year of age. During this period there were 2212 live births in the study population. The 14 perinatal deaths are described using the Wrigglesworth classification, and the 25 infant deaths, using a clinicopathological system. The contribution of normally formed stillbirths was small (14%), which probably reflects the underreporting of stillbirths in this community. The most common cause of death in the live births was complications of prematurity (43%). Specific causes (22%) of perinatal deaths were predominantly infections, including one case of congenital syphilis. Perinatal asphyxia was diagnosed in 14%, and there was one case (7%) of a chromosome abnormality. Infant deaths were predominantly due to respiratory (45%) and gastrointestinal infections (28%), with chronic malnutrition as an underlying cause in 80% of cases. Prenatal care could theoretically have prevented three of the perinatal deaths, and a further six deaths could have been avoided by improved management of labor and the immediate neonatal period. Prevention of malnutrition and improved treatment of acute infections would contribute to a reduction in infant mortality in this population. The Pro-Natal project will use these data to design preventative interventions to reduce perinatal and infant mortality in this community.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2000
Journal Pediatric and Developmental Pathology
Print ISSN 1093-5266
Publisher Springer Verlag
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 3
Issue 1
Pages 29-35
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s100240050003
Keywords Project Pró-Natal, perinatal, infant mortality, Natal, North-East Brazil
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1093921
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100240050003