[Factors associated with neonatal death in high-risk infants: a multicenter study in High-Risk Neonatal Units in Northeast Brazil].

This study aimed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality in High-Risk Neonatal Units (NICU) belonging to the North-Northeast Perinatal Health Network in Northeast Brazil. The explanatory variables were individual maternal characteristics, prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care, and infant characteristics. This was a longitudinal, multicenter hospital-based study. The study population consisted of 3,623 live born infants admitted to 34 NICUs. After adjusting for the three hierarchical levels in the model for determination of death in the NICU up to the 27 th day of life, the following showed statistically significant association: type of delivery - cesarean section (OR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.56-0.95), non-use of prenatal steroids (OR =1.51; 95%CI: 1.01-2.25), preeclampsia (OR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.56-0.95), oligohydramnios (OR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1, 17-2.10), birth weight < 2500g (OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.03-1.90), 5-minute Apgar score < 7 (OR = 2.63; 95%CI: 2.21-3.14), endotracheal intubation (OR = 1.95; 95%CI: 1.31-2.91), and non-use of surfactant (OR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.43-0.69). Death during NICU care is determined by conditions of the pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn.