Monitoring perinatal mortality by birth weight specific mortality rates

Abstract

The perinatal mortality at University Central Hospital of Turku, Finland decreased significantly from 15.7/1000 in years 1970-75 to 8.9/1000 in years 1976-78. The main decrease has occurred in weight groups of 1000 g and more. In years 1976-78 the perinatal mortality of non-malformed babies in the weight group 1500-1999 g was 93/1000, in the group 2000-2499 g 21/1000 and in the group of 2500 g and over 1.7/1000. The early neonatal mortality of non-malformed infants has decreased significantly only in the weight group of 1500-1999 g. The 1-week survival rate has been 48% in the weight group 500-999 g, but 77% in the weight group 1000-1499 g. The birth weight specific mortality rates are greatly required when the quality of obstetrical care is assessed. Birth weight specific neonatal mortality rates are essential when guidelines for elective termination of third trimester pregnancy are designed.