Abstract

Neonatal period that is first 28 days of life is very crucial period in terms of survival of a newborn. Durind this period, a newborn adapts himself for the changes that take place by transition from intra-uterine life to extra-uterine life. Though this period of just 28 days accounts for less than 2% of total under 5 childhood, it carries the greatest risk of morbidity and mortality for the newborn.
 In India SRS 2012 neonatal deaths accounts for 56% of under five and 69% of infant deaths. First week of death alone accounts for 45% of total under 5 years deaths[1].  The major causes of neonatal deaths as per Sample Registration System Report (2010-13) are Prematurity and low birth weight (48.1%), Birth asphyxia & birth trauma (12.9%), Neonatal Pneumonia(12.0%), Other non communicable diseases (7.1%), Sepsis (5.4%), Ill defined or cause unknown(5.0%), Congenital anomalies(4.0%), Diarrhoeal diseases (3.1%), Injuries (0.9%), Tetanus (0.5%) and all other remaining causes (0.9%)[2].  Almost three fourth of all neonatal deaths occur among the low birth weight newborns. Of all the neonatal death about 40% occur within first 24 hours,  half within 72 hours and 3/4 within one week of birth[1]. Appropriate care of the mother during pregnancy and childbirth has positive influence on neonatal outcome. But still high neonatal mortality in India is a subject of great concern. According to the UNICEF report 2021, the current neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in India is 20 per 1000 live birth[3]. According to SRS, Infant mortality rate in INDIA is 30 per 1000 live birth, but in Madhya Pradesh, the Infant mortality rate (IMR) is 46, which is highest among all the states of India [4]. This study was conducted to study the mortality and morbidity patterns of newborns admitted in newly set up SCNU at a tertiary care centre of Madhya Pradesh.