Archives of Pediatrics and Child Health

Abstract: IntroductionNeonatal mortality is an indicator of the quality of perinatal care and reflects the conditions under which newborns are managed, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to identify the main factors associated with neonatal mortality in the pediatric department of the N’Zérékoré Regional Hospital Center. Materials And MethodsThis was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024. It included hospitalized newborns aged 0 to 28 days who died. Stillbirths and deaths occurring after 28 days were excluded. Data were collected from hospital registers, medical records, and survey forms. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, with the Chi-square test used to assess statistical associations (p <0.05). ResultsA total of 111 neonatal deaths were recorded out of 426 admissions (26%). The majority of deaths occurred among males (68%) and newborns aged 1 to 7 days (75%). The mean age was 6.68 ± 13.82 days. The leading diagnoses were neonatal infection (42%) and metabolic disorders (16%). Significant associations were found between neonatal mortality and the newborn’s age, mode of delivery, maternal occupation, and maternal education level. ConclusionThese results highlight the need to improve the quality of obstetric and neonatal care by strengthening maternal health education in order to reduce neonatal mortality.

Abstract: Mortality attributable to nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, among which ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections are the most frequent, may range from 5% in general hospital wards to 54% in intensive care units. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy admitted after a two-month history of cough, fever, dyspnea, and weight loss, with no known history of tuberculosis exposure. Chest radiography revealed bilateral bronchopneumonia, markedly more severe on the right side. Cytobacteriological examination of pleural fluid identified Acinetobacter baumannii, with no acid-fast bacilli detected and a negative Xpert MTB/ RIF test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A diagnosis of pleuropneumonia caused by A. baumannii was made. The clinical outcome under antibiotic therapy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets, intravenous ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole was favorable. This study aims to highlight the occurrence of this condition in our healthcare facilities, where it was identified for the first time, by describing its clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic management and comparing them with data from the literature.