Neonatal mortality in a Black urban community.

An autopsy study carried out on 103 neonates showed a high incidence of twins, mainly second twins. The commonest cause of death was asphyxia, predominantly among the small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies, and this was possibly associated with placental insufficiency. Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was the next most common cause and occurred in the majority in the first 24 hours. Pulmonary haemorrhage, which used to be common in this population, was very rare. More than 50% of the deaths occurred on the first day of life.