Asphyxiated neonates at the neonatal unit of Muhimbili National hospital Dar es Salaam

Background Birth asphyxia is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Birth asphyxia continues to present a major clinical problem, and worldwide- 4million newborn infants are affected annually. Objective: The broad objective of this study was to asses care given to asphyxiated neonates at neonatal unit Muhimbili ational Hospital. Study design, population and setting: A descriptive cross sectional study involving 190 neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at Muhimbili National Hospital. Methods: Data was obtained using a checklist for assessing the Management or care given to birth asphyxiated neonates.Demographic data of mother, previous obstetric history, history or current pregnancy, parity, marital status, mode of delivery such as (SVD), (ABD), (L VCE), (C/S), duration of labor, induction, method of induction, apgar score, diagnosis on admission, resuscitation measure and neonate's birth weight was determined. Results: A total of 190 neonates were included in the neonatal unit Forty (2J%) were found with birth asphyxia .Most of asphyxiated neonates 25/40 were referral cases from peripheral hospitals. Majority (62.5%) of asphyxiated neonates died, those with severe birth asphyxia had significantly increased mortality (p=O.OOO).Lack of resuscitative facilities, technology and shortage of skilled personnel were the biggest problem in birth asphyxia management. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study has demonstrated that the birth asphyxia has high mortality rate Birth asphyxia is responsible for about one third of neonatal deaths. Lack of facilities, technology and shortage of nurses also were the biggest problem in birth asphyxia management. There is a need to establish a well equipped neonatal intensive care unit