Perinatal mortality--a hospital based study.

A total of 5082 consecutive deliveries in Medical College Hospital, Kottayam during the period August 1992 to July 1993 constituted the study. Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) was 38.5 per 1000 total births and autopsy rate was 72%. More than 85% of perinatal deaths occured in low birth weight and preterm babies. Perinatal hypoxia and congenital anomalies were the leading causes in late fetal deaths (LFD). The main causes of early neonatal deaths (END) were perinatal hypoxia, infections, congenital anomalies and hyaline membrane disease (HMD).