Analysis of the neonatal mortality rate due to birth asphyxia between 2016-2023 in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is a significant cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. In Chile, recent epidemiological data are limited, hindering effective intervention planning. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, ecological, time-series study was conducted using neonatal mortality records due to asphyxia in Chile between 2016 and 2023. Neonatal deaths due to asphyxia in infants up to 28 days of life were analyzed according to sex, age at death (<24 hours; 1-7 days; 8-28 days), region of residence, and place of death. Data were obtained from the Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics. Result: A total of 367 neonatal deaths due to asphyxia were recorded, resulting in a neonatal mortality rate of 22,5 per 100.000 live births. Of the deaths, 57,8% occurred in males, and 59,4% within the first 24 hours of life. The highest mortality rates were in the Los Ríos Region and Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region. Most deaths (97,6%) occurred in hospital settings. Discussion: Variability in the neonatal mortality rate may be influenced by factors not included in this study, such as access to prenatal care and availability of healthcare resources. Higher mortality among males may relate to delayed pulmonary maturation, while early neonatal deaths likely reflect critical perinatal events. Conclusion: Neonatal asphyxia remains a major cause of infant mortality in Chile. Further research is needed to identify associated risk factors and guide the development of effective preventive strategies.