Question
According to the 2010-2013 verbal autopsy report, please arrange the following causes of neonatal mortality in descending order, starting from the highest to the lowest.
1. Prematurity and low birth weight
2. Birth injuries and birth asphyxia
3. Congenital anomalies
4. Sepsis
| A. | 1>2>4>3 |
| B. |
1>4>2>3 |
| C. |
4>1>2>3 |
| D. |
1>2>3>4 |
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A Explanation |
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According to the 2010–2013 Verbal Autopsy/Million Death Study data, the leading causes of neonatal mortality in India were:
- Prematurity and low birth weight
- Birth asphyxia and birth trauma
- Neonatal infections/sepsis
- Congenital anomalies
Thus the descending order is:
Prematurity/LBW > Birth asphyxia > Sepsis > Congenital anomalies
Explanation of the Causes
1. Prematurity and Low Birth Weight — Highest
Major complications:
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Hypothermia
- Sepsis
- Feeding difficulties
- Intraventricular hemorrhage
Prematurity remains the leading contributor to neonatal deaths.
2. Birth Injuries and Birth Asphyxia — Second
Includes:
- Perinatal asphyxia
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Birth trauma
Major preventable cause of neonatal mortality.
3. Sepsis — Third
Common causes:
- Poor hygiene
- Prematurity
- PROM
- Hospital-acquired infection
Organisms:
- Klebsiella
- E. coli
- Group B Streptococcus
4. Congenital Anomalies — Fourth
Includes:
- Congenital heart disease
- Neural tube defects
- Chromosomal disorders
Though important, contribution is lower than the above causes.