Monitoring perinatal mortality by birth weight specific mortality rates

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Abstract
The perinatal mortality at University Central Hospital of Turku, Finland, decreased significantly from 15.7/1000 in 1970-1975 to 8.9/1000 in 1976-1978. The main decrease occurred in weight groups of .gtoreq. 1000 g. In 1976-1978 the perinatal mortality of nonmalformed babies in the weight group 1500-1999 g was 93/1000; in the group 2000-2499 g, 21/1000; and in the group of .gtoreq. 2500 g, 1.7/1000. The early neonatal mortality of nonmalformed infants has decreased significantly only in the weight group of 1500-1999 g. The 1-wk survival rate was 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 3rd trimester pregnancy are designed.