ADDRESSING NEONATAL MORTALITY: AN ANALYSIS OF RISKS IN NEWBORN INFANTS IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN WESTERN SÃO PAULO

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal mortality is a challenge, since many countries are still far from achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Neonatal death is the result of the absence or poor quality of prenatal care, maternal health complications during pregnancy, low birth weight, as well as the presence of birth asphyxia and prematurity. All of the above-mentioned factors are considered preventable by health service interventions. Trend analyses of neonatal mortality rates are important for evaluating policies and mortality projections, and are useful tools for planning health actions. Objectives: Analyzing the identification of trends in preventable neonatal mortality in different settings and realities can improve care practices, contribute to the rational use of resources and reorganize care networks to promote the reduction of health inequities. Methodology: The study used a retrospective design, analyzing data from 102 newborns who died in the neonatal period (0 to 28 days of life) between 2018 and 2022. Maternal (age, comorbidities, prenatal care) and neonatal (birth weight, gestational age, sex, and causes of death) variables were evaluated. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results and Discussion: They indicated that prematurity was the main cause of death, accounting for 50% of the cases, followed by neonatal sepsis (37%). Approximately 69.7% of the newborns were born before 30 weeks, and 44% weighed less than 1000g. The analysis showed that, although 93.1% of the pregnant women received prenatal care, the quality of the follow-up may have been insufficient to avoid gestational complications. Conclusion: The research reinforces the need for effective public policies to reduce neonatal mortality, including strengthening quality prenatal care, expanding NICU beds and training health teams. It is concluded that preventive actions, health education and access to intensive care are essential to reducing preventable neonatal mortality in Brazil.