Decline in infant mortality

Decline in infant mortality in Saxony.

In the federal state of Saxony, there is a slight decline in infant mortality rates, as reported by the State Statistical Office. In total, 84 infants died. The rate fell statistically in the federal state from 2.6 to 2.5 of every 1000 births.

According to the State Statistical Office of Saxony, the infant mortality rate declined slightly last year. In 2009, a total of 84 infants died, which is six deaths less than in 2008, as the State Office announced on Monday. In 1,000 newborns, 2.5 deaths were reported. A year earlier, the rate was slightly higher at 2.6. About half (41) of newborn babies who died after giving birth had been born with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams. 22 children weighed less than 1000 grams. 4 dead infants weighed over 4,000 grams.

More boys than girls affected
Among the 84 deaths were 55 boys and 29 girls who died in the first year after birth. Within the first 24 hours, 24 newborns died. That is a share of 29 percent of all deaths.

Most common causes of death in newborns
Infants (37 cases) died most frequently due to „certain states“ which had their origin in the perinatal period. The perinatal period is the period between the 24th week of pregnancy and the seventh day after childbirth. Certain conditions that have their origin in the perinatal period are, for example: birth trauma, diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system, infections that occurred during pregnancy as well as disorders related to the duration of pregnancy and fetal growth. In Saxony, eleven children died in sudden child death last year. Since the 1980s, the death rate among babies nationwide has fallen by around 50 to 60 percent. (sb, 11.10.2010)