Tehran University Medical Journal

Perinatal mortality rate is an import health index. In this study, we have attempted to determine the causes and rate of perinatal mortality, in 18885 randomly selected newborns, in all the obstetrics and delivery centers of Tehran, during one year (1994-1995). The mortality rate was approximately 21/1.000. Cesarean section was performed in 42.2%, and vaginal delivery in 57.8% of cases. Prematurity was observed in 11.3% and 8.4% weighted less than 2500 gr (low birth weight : LBW). Perinatal mortality was significantly more frequent in the presence of prematurity (p = 0,000), LBW (p = 0.000), mothers who were older than 35 y (as compared to the 20-29 y age group p = 0.01), high parity (> 5 p = 0.00001), and high gravida (> 5 p = 0.04), low educational level (less than high school diploma p = 004), twin or multiple pregnancies (p = 0.000), congenital malformations (p = 0.000), low Apgar score (< 4 in 1 and 5 p = 0.000), and in the absence of perinatal care (p - 0.000 002)