Viral contributions to perinatal, neonatal and infant deaths over 24 years in the north of england. (7th June 2011) - Williams, E
Abstract : Background: Infection is a major cause of perinatal, neonatal and infant deaths, but the viral contribution to these deaths is poorly described. Objective: To describe the contribution of viruses to perinatal, neonatal and infant deaths in one Region of the UK (1985–2008). Methods: Using Regional Perinatal Mortality Survey – a population based database of fetal deaths ≥20 weeks gestation and in live-born individuals within the first year. Deaths from viral infection were identified, verified and specified. Results: From 819 890 live births and 4478 stillbirths (>24 weeks) 1123 deaths were infectious: 585 bacterial, 102 viral. Of viral deaths 29% were parvovirus (mostly stillbirths); 23% were cytomegalovirus (CMV) (mostly stillbirths). 92% of CMV cases were congenital (cCMV). 23 infant deaths were due to respiratory viruses (table 1 ). Conclusions: Viruses caused 9% of all infective deaths: 6% of fetal losses <24 weeks, 15% of stillbirths/TOPs >24 weeks, 5% of neonatal deaths and 15% of non-neonatal infant deaths. In this population viral deaths occur in ∼7:100 000 live-births and 6:1000 stillbirths ≥24 weeks, most commonly from parvovirus or CMV. By comparison 13% of these deaths were attributed to GBS infection. Morbidity from cCMV is more common than mortality: this population has considerable burden from cCMV.