Causes of Neonatal Mortality, Worldwide in 2001 (thousands) | Neonatal deaths |
| Cause | GBD | CHERG/WHO |
| Diarrheal disease | 116 | 117 |
| Tetanusa | 187 | 273 |
| Respiratory infectionb | 1,013 | 1,013 |
| Low birthweightc | 1,098 | 1,091 |
| Birth asphyxia and birth traumad | 739 | 896 |
| Congenital anomalies | 321 | 312 |
| Other | 446 | 194 |
| TOTAL | 3,896 | 3,896 |
Sources: See text.
a. CHERG/WHO conclude that 7 percent (273,000) of global neonatal deaths occur due to tetanus. Chapter 3 of this volume provides an estimate for tetanus deaths for ages zero to four of only 187,000. Consistent with the objectives of this chapter, the GBD numbers are used here, and the CHERG/WHO estimates accordingly revised downward.
b. Deaths for respiratory infections in the neonatal age group are those reported by CHERG/WHO for their category sepsis or pneumonia.
c. Low birthweight deaths are those resulting from intrauterine growth retardation or preterm birth. Almost all low birthwieght deaths in the neonatal period result from preterm birth.
d. Chapter 3 provides an estimate for birth asphyxia and birth trauma deaths for ages zero to four of only 739,000 globally. Consistent with the objectives of this chapter, the GBD numbers are used here, and the CHERG/WHO estimates accordingly revised downward.
