Zinc and multivitamin supplementation have contrasting effects on infant iron status: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Zinc (Zn) supplementation adversely affects iron status in animal and adult human studies, but few trials have included young infants. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Zn and multivitamin (MV) supplementation on infant hematologic and iron status. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a double-blind RCT, Tanzanian infants were randomized to daily, oral Zn, MV, Zn and MV or placebo treatment arms at the age of 6 weeks of life. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and red blood cell indices were measured at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months of age. Plasma samples from 589 infants were examined for iron deficiency (ID) at 6 months. RESULTS: In logistic regression models, Zn treatment was associated with greater odds of ID (odds ratio (OR) 1.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.3)) and MV treatment was associated with lower odds (OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.3-0.9)). In Cox models, MV was associated with a 28% reduction in risk of severe anemia (hazard ratio (HR)=0.72 (95% CI 0.56-0.94)) and a 26% reduction in the risk of severe microcytic anemia (HR=0.74 (0.56-0.96)) through 18 months. No effects of Zn on risk of anemia were seen. Infants treated with MV alone had higher mean Hb (9.9 g/dl (95% CI 9.7-10.1)) than those given placebo (9.6 g/dl (9.4-9.8)) or Zn alone (9.6 g/dl (9.4-9.7)). CONCLUSIONS: MV treatment improved iron status in infancy, whereas Zn worsened iron status but without an associated increase in risk for anemia. Infants in long-term Zn supplementation programs at risk for ID may benefit from screening and/or the addition of a MV supplement.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, Awareness, and Treatment and Control of Hypertension in Mafia Island, Tanzania.

Introduction. The prevalence of hypertension in Africa ranges from 29.7% in Cameroon to 47% in South Africa. Only 10% receive treatment in Cameroon while 32% are on medications in Ghana. Control rates vary from 0.4% to 16.8%. This study was done to assess prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Mafia Island, Tanzania, which has never been documented before, so that necessary interventions can be undertaken accordingly. Methodology. Data was collected through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were taken. Descriptive statistics were done and potential correlations were analyzed. Results. Out of 570 adults who were included in the study, 154 (27%) were aged 41-50 and the male-to-female ratio was 1 : 1.05. Almost half (49.5%) of the participants fit into the criteria of hypertension. Out of the 118 participants who were aware of having hypertension, 68 (57.6%) were currently taking medication. From those taking medication, only 14 (20.6%) had controlled hypertension. Conclusion. This study tried to show the extent of hypertension and find out risk factors which could explain the high prevalence of hypertension. This is very alarming and a dire need to raise awareness through health education, availability of screening, and treating and follow-up should be given priority.

Clinical malaria diagnosis in pregnancy in relation to early perinatal mother-to-child transmission of HIV: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We prospectively investigated fever symptoms and maternal diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy (MIP) in relation to child HIV infection among 2368 pregnant HIV-positive women and their infants, followed up from pregnancy until 6 weeks post-delivery in Tanzania. METHODS: Doctors clinically diagnosed and treated MIP and fever symptoms during prenatal health care. Child HIV status was determined via DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) by the 6th week of life. RESULTS: Mean gestational age at enrolment was 22.2 weeks. During follow-up, 16.6% of mothers had at least one MIP diagnosis, 15.9% reported fever symptoms and 8.7% had both fever and MIP diagnosis. Eleven per cent of HIV-exposed infants were HIV-positive by 6 weeks. The RR of HIV MTCT was statistically similar for infants whose mothers were ever vs. never clinically diagnosed with MIP (RR 1.24; 95% CI 0.94-1.64), were diagnosed with one vs. no clinical MIP episodes (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.77-1.48) and had ever vs. never reported fever symptoms (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.78-1.38) in pregnancy. However, the HIV MTCT risk increased by 29% (95% CI 4-58%) per MIP episode. Infants of women with at least two vs. no MIP diagnoses were 2.1 times more likely to be HIV infected by 6 weeks old (95% CI 1.31-3.45). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical MIP diagnosis, but not fevers, in HIV-positive pregnant women was associated with an elevated risk of early HIV MTCT, suggesting that malaria prevention and treatment in pregnant HIV-positive women may enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention in MTCT programmes in this setting. Future studies using a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of malaria are needed to confirm this association.

Predictors of stunting, wasting and underweight among Tanzanian children born to HIV-infected women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Children born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women are susceptible to undernutrition, but modifiable risk factors and the time course of the development of undernutrition have not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to identify maternal, socioeconomic and child characteristics that are associated with stunting, wasting and underweight among Tanzanian children born to HIV-infected mothers, followed from 6 weeks of age for 24 months. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Maternal and socioeconomic characteristics were recorded during pregnancy, data pertaining to the infant's birth were collected immediately after delivery, morbidity histories and anthropometric measurements were performed monthly. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards methods were used to assess the association between potential predictors and the time to first episode of stunting, wasting and underweight. RESULTS: A total of 2387 infants (54.0% male) were enrolled and followed for a median duration of 21.2 months. The respective prevalence of prematurity (<37 weeks) and low birth weight (<2500 g) was 15.2% and 7.0%; 11.3% of infants were HIV-positive at 6 weeks. Median time to first episode of stunting, wasting and underweight was 8.7, 7.2 and 7.0 months, respectively. Low maternal education, few household possessions, low infant birth weight, child HIV infection and male sex were all independent predictors of stunting, wasting and underweight. In addition, preterm infants were more likely to become wasted and underweight, whereas those with a low Apgar score at birth were more likely to become stunted. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to improve maternal education and nutritional status, reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and increase birth weight may lower the risk of undernutrition among children born to HIV-infected women.

PREDICTORS OF INCIDENT TUBERCULOSIS IN HIV-EXPOSED CHILDREN IN TANZANIA.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the predictors of tuberculosis infection in HIV-exposed children. DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study nested within a randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Antenatal clinics in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. SUBJECTS: Children born to 875 HIV-infected women in Tanzania. RESULTS: A total of 82 children developed tuberculosis during the follow-up period. In multivariate analyses, HIV infection was associated with a six-fold increase in risk of tuberculosis. Breastfeeding duration, child mid-upper arm circumference, and maternal CD4 T-cell counts were inversely related to risk of tuberculosis. In HIV-infected children, greater number of people eating at the same household meal and child CD8 T-cell counts were associated with increased risk of tuberculosis; higher maternal lymphocyte counts, increased duration of breastfeeding, and lower vitamin E levels were associated with reduced risk of tuberculosis. In HIV-uninfected children, breastfeeding duration and increased child mid-upper arm circumference were associated with reduced risk of tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding duration, HIV status, maternal and child nutritional and immunological status were important predictors of child tuberculosis. Appropriate infant feeding and nutritional interventions could represent important adjuncts to prevent tuberculosis in children born to HIV-infected women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Comparison of isotope dilution with bioelectrical impedance analysis among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple tool to assess total body water (TBW), from which body composition can be estimated using statistical equations. However, standard BIA equations have not been sufficiently validated during pregnancy, in HIV infection, or in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore compared TBW estimates from multifrequency BIA with those from the reference method deuterium isotope dilution (Deut) in a cohort of 30 HIV-uninfected and 30 HIV-infected pregnant women from Tanzania. METHODS: We enrolled pregnant women presenting for routine antenatal care and collected data on pregnancy outcomes. At each trimester of gestation and once at 10-wk post-partum, we measured maternal anthropometry, TBWBIA, and TBWDeut. RESULTS: TBWBIA was highly correlated at each time point with TBWDeut among HIV-infected (all P ≤0.001) and HIV-uninfected women (all P <0.0001). During pregnancy, mean TBWBIA progressively underestimated TBWDeut in the overall cohort; trimester-specific differences (mean ±SD) were -1.02 ±2.36 kg, -1.47 ±2.43 kg, and -2.42 ±2.63 kg, respectively. The difference at 10-wk postpartum was small (-0.24 ±2.07 kg). In Bland-Altman and regression models, TBWBIA was subject to a systematic predictive bias at each antenatal and postnatal time point (all P ≤0.038). Among HIV-positive women, TBWDeut measured during the first (P =0.02) and second trimester (P =0.03) was positively related to birthweight. CONCLUSIONS: The validity of current BIA equations to assess TBW during pregnancy and in the postpartum period among women from sub-Saharan Africa remains uncertain. Deuterium dilution may assess aspects of maternal body composition relevant for pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected women.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Pregnant Mothers in Tanzania

Objectives: Determining the prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) during pregnancy in Northern Tanzania. Design: In a prospective cross-sectional study. Results Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) was detected in 86 out of 287 pregnant women (29.9). Active PTB was diagnosed radiologically in four subjects (1.4). All cases were sputum smear-negative Conclusion LTBI and subsequently active PTB is a public health problem among pregnant mothers in Northern Tanzania

Gingival recession, oral hygiene and associated factors among Tanzanian women.

BACKGROUND: Females are generally more motivated with regard to oral hygiene practices and thus brush their teeth more frequently than males. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gingival recession, oral hygiene status, oral hygiene practices and associated factors in women attending a maternity ward in Tanzania. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: Maternity ward of Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and forty six women were interviewed on oral hygiene practices and maternal factors, and a full-mouth examination was done to determine the presence of plaque, calculus, gingival bleeding and gingival recession at six sites per tooth. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingival recession (GR) > or =1 mm was 33.6%, calculus 99.3%, plaque 100%, and gingival bleeding 100%. Oral hygiene practices included toothbrushing (98.9%), brushing frequency > or =2 times/day (61.2%), horizontal brushing method (98%), and using a plastic toothbrush (97.8%). Factors that were significantly associated with gingival recession were age (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3-3.2), presence of calculus (OR(a) = 3.8, 95% CI=2.5-7.1), and gingival bleeding on probing (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 2.5-7.1). Tooth cleaning practices and maternal factors, especially the number of pregnancies or deliveries were not significantly associated with gingival recession. CONCLUSION: In this study population, oral hygiene was poor and gingival recession was associated with age, calculus and gingival inflammation rather than with tooth cleaning practices.

Oral hygiene practices, periodontal conditions, dentition status and self-reported bad mouth breath among young mothers, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the oral hygiene practices, periodontal conditions, dentition status and self-reported bad mouth breath (S-BMB) among young mothers. STUDY PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 302 postpartum mothers, aged 14-44 years, were interviewed on oral hygiene practices and S-BMB using structured questionnaire. Oral hygiene, dentition and periodontal status were assessed using the Community Periodontal Index probe and gingival recessions (GR) using Williams Periodontal probe. RESULTS: Tooth brushing practice was 99%; tongue brushing (95%), plastic toothbrush users (96%), chewing stick (1%), wooden toothpicks (76%), dental floss (<1%); and toothpaste (93%). The prevalence of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing was 100%, gum bleeding during tooth brushing (33%), calculus (99%), probing periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4-5 mm (27%), PPD 6+ mm (3%), GR 1+ mm (27%) and tooth decay (55%). The prevalence of S-BMB was 14%; the S-BMB had higher mean number of sites with plaque compared to the no S-BMB group (P=0.04). Factors associated with S-BMB were gum bleeding on tooth brushing (OR=2.4) and PPD 6+ mm (OR=5.4). CONCLUSION: Self-reported bad mouth breath is a cause of concern among young mothers, and associated significant factors were gum bleeding on tooth brushing and deep periodontal pockets of 6+ mm. Further research involving clinical diagnosis of bad mouth breath and intervention through oral health promotion and periodontal therapy are recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides baseline information on oral health status and the complaint on bad mouth breath which necessitates in the future need for objective assessment, diagnosis and management of bad mouth breath for enhanced social and professional interaction without embarrassment.

Relationship between infant birth weight

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between infant birth weight or=3000 g and their mothers formed the control group. There were 81 cases and 84 control infant-mother pairs. Maternal and infants venous blood samples were taken after delivery. Plasma zinc was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method. Data were analyzed using Epi-info version 6. Logistic regression was used to assess the contribution of other risk factor on infant birth weight. Date was converted to STATA format and logistic regression analysis was done using STATA program version 8. The results showed that there is significant relationship between infant birth weight and maternal zinc levels. Mothers with low zinc levels were two and half time more at risk of having an infant weighing

Periventricular Leucomalacia/ Intraventricular Hemorrhage Among Very Low Birth Weight Infants at Muhimbili National hospital (MNH); Dar-esSalaam; Tanzania

Introduction: Periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) are two most important antecedents of neuro-developmental outcome in very low birth weight infants.Study objective: To determine the incidence of PVL/IVH and it's associated perinatal factors among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted at neonatal unit Muhimbili National Hospital.Material and methods: Prospective study with a nested case-control study was conducted at the neonatal unit from May to November 2000. Three hundred seventy two VLBW neonates were recruited to the study on admission to the neonatal unit and were followed up to the postnatal age of 4 weeks or death depending on which came first. All 372 neonates had initial cranial-ultrasound examination within 72 hours of life. Cranial-ultrasound was done on 179 and 151 neonates at the postnatal age of 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Records of all 372 neonates were reviewed to determine the presence or absence of the various perinatal factors. These data were analysed as a nested case-control study whereby a case was defined as any VLBW who had been recruited in the follow up study and had diagnosis of either PVL or IVH or both by cranial ultrasound and those VLBW who had been recruited in the follow up study without a diagnosis of either PVL or IVH were taken as controls. Results: A total of 4539 neonates were admitted to the neonatal unit during the study period and among these 443 (9.8) were VLBW. Two hundred fifty seven (58) out the 443 VLBW neonates died before the postnatal age of 4 weeks. Among the 372 VLBW infants recruited in the study; PVL was seen in 121/372 (32.5) with an overall incidence rate of 0.125/infant week and IVH was seen in 230/372 (61.8) with an overall incidence rate of 0.247/ infant week. Most of the PVL and IVH occurred during the first 3 days of life. All neonates with grade IV IVH died before the postnatal age of 4 weeks. Forty-seven neonates (12.6) developed post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Maternal hemoglobin and neonatal hemoglobin showed significant `association with PVL and IVH respectively.Conclusion:There is high incidence of VLBW; IVH and PVL. IVH grade IV carries a very high mortality. Routine cranial-ultrasound on all VLBW neonates along with clinical follow up for long-term neuro-developmental outcome is recommended

Perinatal Risk Factors for Neonatal Bleedind at the Muhimbili National Hospital Dar-es-Salaam; Tanzania

This incident case-control study of bleeding neonates in a Baby Friendly Hospital was done to obtain the prevalence and risk factors associated with bleeding disorders in the neonatal unit. During a 4-month period from August to November 1998; 175 out of 1628 admitted infants were found to have some sort of bleeding. These were compared with 414 control infants. Prematurity; Low Birth Weight; Caesarian Section and anesthesia; and presence of asphyxia were significantly associated with bleeding. The Prothrombin and Activated Partial thromboplastin Test were not significantly altered in bleeding infants and had a poor correlation with clinical presence of a bleeding disorder.The low prevalence of bleeding disorder and coagulation defects is discussed and suggested that Breast Feeding may not be a risk factor for bleeding disorder in this unit. Further studies are needed in this regard

The Influence of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) Infection on Orphaned Neonates

This retrospective study from January to December 1999 reports 74 orphaned neonates admitted at the special care unit in Dar-es-Salaam; Tanzania. The commonest causes of maternal death were Anemia; Edema-Proteinuria-Hypertension -Gestosis (EPH Gestosis); Acquired Immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS); tuberculosis and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). There was a very high association of maternal AIDS and tuberculosis with maternal deaths. The overall mortality rates were not significantly different between the orphans whose mothers had AIDS and those whose serostatus was unknown. However among the 3 infants who died from HIV sero-positive group; the mean age was 20 days(14-29days); while those with unknown serostatus the mean age was 28 days. HIV negative infant was twice more likely to be accepted in the orphanage. Failure to thrive was 3.5 fold more common among HIV positive infants. Diarrhea was conversely more common among babies whose HIV unknown statusWhile 20 out of 42 (47) discharged infants from among the HIV unknown serostatus were taken by the biological father; only 5 out of 18 (28) were taken by the father among HIV positive/AIDS group. There are no appropriate counseling sessions and there is lack of follow-up; especially for those discharged home. There was a 35 fold higher risk of tuberculosis and HIV co-morbidity whereby 18 out of 25 (72) mothers who were diagnosed to have AIDS had tuberculosis as well. Among the mothers with unknown serostatus; only 1 out of 49 (2) had tuberculosis. Thus; AIDS and tuberculosis both contribute to the maternal deaths. We speculate that tuberculosis in HIV pregnant mothers is associated with a more a rapid downhill course and mortality. There is a need to address this matter urgently. Moreover; there is a need to have a coordinated community based care for these orphans and their caretakers

Neonatal hypothermia on admission to a special care unit in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania: a cause for concern.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for hypothermia among neonates on admission to the Neonatal Care Unit. Hypothermia in newborn babies is a problem in tropical countries despite warm environmental conditions and it contributes to a high neonatal morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hypothermia and its association with early neonatal outcome among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Care Unit of Muhimbili Medical Centre. At admission all neonates were examined and axillary temperature recorded using a low-reading thermometer. Six-hourly temperature was taken in all infants. Those with a temperature below 36.5 degrees C were recruited as cases and those with normal temperature served as controls. These neonates were followed up for early neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Hypothermia on admission was found in 366 out of 1,632 babies (22.4%). In none of these was hypothermia recorded or reported as a reason for admission. Thirteen percent of the hypothermic neonates had severe hypothermia, with body temperature below 32 degrees C on admission. Hypothermia was significantly associated with deliveries from outside hospitals and with those who had operative or instrumental delivery in the same hospital. It was also associated with prematurity, low birth weight babies, time taken to transfer the baby and inadequate clothing after delivery. It was found that hypothermic infants had a three fold higher mortality and morbidity. These infants had a longer stay in the unit and had a higher post natal weight loss. There was no low-reading thermometer in the unit. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there is cause for concern about hypothermia in the neonates at Muhimbili Medical Centre. Efforts should be made to sensitize and educate all levels of staff dealing with neonates, and low-reading thermometers should be part of the essential kit in the unit.

Verbal autopsy in establishing cause of perinatal death.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal mortality is a sensitive indicator of health status of a community and is also highly amenable to intervention. The causes of perinatal deaths in developing countries are often difficult to establish. Verbal autopsy has been used in several countries for children and adults, but seldom for perinatal cause. OBJECTIVE: To establish the cause of perinatal deaths using verbal autopsy. DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional, retrospective study to identify perinatal death over a one year period from July 1996-June 1997. Comparison was made with hospital records. An algorithm of signs and symptoms was used by trained personnel to identify the cause of perinatal death. The duration of collection of data was six months (August 1996-January 1997). SETTING: Hai district of Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. SUBJECTS: All perinatal deaths within one year. RESULTS: The perinatal mortality was 58 per 1000 (121 deaths and 2088 live births). Verbal autopsy could establish the cause of death in 105 of the 121 deaths. Hospital records showed 79 deaths indicating that 42 deaths probably occurred at home. Among the 79 available hospital records, the cause of death could be established in only 30 (38%). The causes of postnatal death were compared between the verbal autopsy and hospital records. There was a good correlation between the same, however only 18 records were available from hospital among the total 31 postnatal deaths. The specificity of determining cause of death using verbal autopsy was 100% and sensitivity 61%. CONCLUSION: The commonest causes of perinatal deaths were related to obstetric care, therefore interventions to curb perinatal mortality should be directed to improvement of obstetric care. Verbal autopsy is a simpler and more sensitive tool in establishing the cause of perinatal death than hospital records in a rural district of Tanzania. Large-scale studies are needed to validate this.

Tuberculosis (presumed congenital) in a neonatal unit in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

This is the first report of congenital tuberculosis from Tanzania. It discusses the problems of diagnosis in a typical neonatal unit in a developing country. Three cases are reported within 1 year. Failure to thrive was the most common symptom. We speculate that congenital tuberculosis is not rare and carries a high mortality. There is need to have a high index of suspicion especially where maternal HIV and tuberculosis are highly prevalent.

Kaposi's sarcoma before and during a human immunodeficiency virus epidemic in Tanzanian children.

BACKGROUND: With the onset of AIDS increased frequency of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has been reported. However, there is no case-based comparison of childhood (<14 years) KS before and during the HIV pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Here we report on the Tanzanian cancer registry data of pediatric KS in Tanzania and implications with regard to pathogenic factors. METHODS: One hundred fifty histologically confirmed pediatric KS (PKS) cases registered during 1968 through 1995 (28 years) were analyzed with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics before and during the AIDS epidemic. Statistical analysis was done with the Epi-Info program and chi square test. RESULTS: Of children with PKS 126 (84%) were male and 24 (16%) were female. The gender ratio was 5.1:1 and 5.4:1 during the endemic and epidemic periods, respectively. The highest occurrence of PKS was observed in the 0- to 5-years age group. Overall 73 (4.9/year) of these cases were registered during the pre and 77 (5.9/year) during the AIDS period. Over time a significant increase in anatomically disseminated KS cases was evident during the AIDS epidemic (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These observations indicate that children younger than 5 years are at high risk for developing KS, possibly reflecting low resistance to human herpesvirus (HHV) 8 infection. It is also likely that an increased susceptibility to HHV8 infection and morbidity is related to progressive immunodeficiency. The increase in AIDS PKS incidence appears to reflect a direct or indirect promoting effect of HIV on the development of KS lesions. Recognition of the high KS risk in small children warrants considerations of possible prevention measures including HIV/HHV8 vaccination and therapeutic options.

Respiratory distress syndrome among neonates admitted at Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

A prospective unmatched case-control study of 256 neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and 256 controls was conducted to study risk factors and outcome during March to November 1995. RDS contributed to 6 per cent of all neonatal admissions and was significantly associated with lower birthweights, gestational age, birth asphyxia and male sex. Maternal hypertension with or without albuminuria (EPH gestosis) was inversely related to RDS. There was no significant association between RDS and mode of delivery, antepartum haemorrhage or premature prolonged rupture of membranes of more than 24 h. A total of 134 (52 per cent) neonates with RDS died, 88 per cent of which occurred in the first 7 days of life, thus contributing to perinatal mortality. Expiratory grunting was significantly associated with increased mortality among infants with RDS.