[Congenital defects as a cause of infant mortality in Zielona Góra province in 1987-1992].

A total of 1278 children with congenital defects born in Zielona Góra Province between 1987 and 1992 were studied. Of this group, 315 children (24,6%) died. Congenital defects were responsible for 38.1% of these deaths and were the main cause of late infant mortality. Congenital heart defects were the most frequent cause of death. Two hundred and ten (66%) of all of the deaths occurred in the neonatal period. Mortality from congenital defects among low birth weight neonates was twice the overall rate.