All issues > Volume 10(11); 1967

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1967;10(11):605-610. Published online November 30, 1967.

Clinical Report Concerning Deaths in Pediatric Ward, Neonates and Fetal Life

Chung Ho Kim¹, Soo Ja Kim¹, Koo Chang Chung¹, Dong Shik Chin¹

¹Department of Pediatrics,College of Med Ewha Womans University, Seoul,Korea.

Abstract

This is the clinical report concerning the deaths of admitted patients and newborns including prematures, and stillboms observed in pediatric department of Ewha Womans University. 1.Concerning the deaths of admitted patients during the period from January, 1961 to August, 1965: Average death rate was 7.2%. By the etiologic diseases, acute respiratory infections were 42. 5% of total deaths, each 9.6% in tuberculosis and various acute intoxication, each 6.8% in gastrointest- inal infection and neonatal tetanus, and fourth frequent causes of death were birth trauma of head, infection of central nervous system and congenital malformation (each 3% of total deaths), etc. Among the causes of death acute respiratory infections were mostly frequent in infancy, and tuber- culosis, intoxication and C.N.S. infection were more frequent in older children. About 52% of deaths was within 24 hrs after admission and 22% in next 24 hrs. 2. Concerning neonatal deaths during the period from January, 1961 to December, 1964- Death rate was 0.32% in fullterm and 21.1% in premature, which was approximately 15% in recent 2 years of observation period. Acute respiratory disorder was most frequent cause of death in both fullterm (48%) and premature group (73.7%), birth trauma of head, in fullterm (20%) and in premature (7.9%), third, frequent cause of neonatal death was congenital malformation, 8% in. fullterm and infection, 7.9% in premature. 3. Concerning stillborns during same period as neonatal deaths: 271 cases (3.1%) of total deliveries were stillborn, which was most frequent between 37 and 40 weeks of gestation (33.2%), next frequent one, before 28 weeks of it (26.5%). By the etiologic and predisposing facters of stillborn, various abnormal deliveries were recognized in 16.6% of total stillborn, maternal toxemia in 14.8%, abruptio placenta in 8. 5%, artificial and habitual abortion in 7.8% and 6.6%, placenta previa in 5.9%, congenital malformation of fetus in 4.8% and hydramnios in 3.7%, etc. No abnormal factors were clinically found in both maternal and fetal condition in 26.6% of total stillborn. Among 13 congenital malformations of stillborn, anencephaly was most frequent one which was found in 5 cases.

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