Contemporary Profile of Neonatal Outcomes in a Newly Established Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Southwest Nigeria: An 18-Month Clinical Audit
by Adebowale T. Odunafolabi, Lere P. Oluwadare, Odutola I. Odetunde, Olubunmi O. Ogein, Oluwaseye F. Oyeniran, Oyindamola O. Aderinto, Pauline K. Akowundu, Sampson C. Aliozor
Published: March 24, 2026 • DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.110200168
Abstract
Background: The neonatal period is defined as the duration from the time of birth to the end of the first 28days of life. Events preceding this period and the perinatal events can have a lasting impact on the outcome of the neonates. The study aimed to describe the indications for neonatal admission and the outcomes at a new tertiary healthcare facility.
Materials and Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study which reviewed the electronic medical records of all neonates admitted into the neonatology unit of the Redeemer’s Health Village, Ogun State, Nigeria between June 2024 and November 2025. Data extracted include age (in days), gender and the primary diagnosis at admission. The main outcome was either discharge or death.
Results: The total number of neonates admitted during the period reviewed was 41. There were 18 males which accounted for 43.9% of the admission. The male to female ratio was 1.0:1.3. Majority (61%) were inborn. Prematurity accounted for majority of the cases (39.0%), closely followed by neonatal jaundice (34.1%). The least cases that were admitted include infants of diabetic mother (4.9%) and tracheo-esophageal atresia (2.4%). The median duration of admission was 6 days (IQR 3,19 days). The survival rate was 82.9% while mortality accounted for 17.1% of the total admissions. Majority of the neonates that died were outborn and most deaths occurred within the first week of life.
Conclusion: Neonatal morbidity and mortality are distinct entities that deserve more attention in order to attain the third item of the sustainable development goal. Prematurity remains a leading cause of admission at neonatal units globally. Extreme prematurity (gestational age at birth < 28weeks) is very challenging to manage especially in resource-limited settings. Neonatal outcomes can be greatly improved upon with adequately supervised obstetric care as a specific intervention measure.