RESUMEN
All 56 neonatal deaths that occurred during 1987 in Ille-et-Vilaine department (France) were systematically analysed, and the history of pregnancy, delivery, neonatal resuscitation, circumstances under which death occurred in neonatal care unit as well as autopsy findings were studied. Each case was then discussed by a multidisciplinary staff and consensus was obtained regarding diagnosis and cause of death. There were 2 separate categories: 26 deaths (46%) were due to related to malformation, or to metabolic dysfunction; 30 deaths were a result of other causes (54%): 9 low birth weight, 5 respiratory disorders, 5 neurologic disorders, 6 infectious diseases, 2 hemorrhagic shock and 3 were of unknown etiology. Information on causes of neonatal death in a specific region may aid in determining public health priorities for that region; if similar studies were carried out in each department, and results compared, this could aid in setting the guidelines for more efficient health treatments and lead to national choices about neonatal public health.