Early Clinical and Biochemical Indicators of Mortality Among Asphyxiated Newborns in Ethiopian Public Hospitals: A NICU-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Birth asphyxia remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying clinical and biochemical characteristics linked to mortality may help improve care in resource-limited settings. This study examined the relationship between admission clinical and biochemical features and short-term mortality among asphyxiated neonates. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 288 asphyxiated neonates admitted to public NICUs in Addis Ababa between January and December 2022. Data were extracted using a pre-tested tool, and associations were assessed using chi-square tests. Results: Overall mortality was 18.4%. Death was more frequent among neonates with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, abnormal neurological signs, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, seizures, and hyperbilirubinemia. Non-survivors had higher potassium, liver enzymes, and creatinine and lower sodium and calcium levels. Median hospital stay was shorter among non-survivors. Conclusion: Several clinical and biochemical features at admission were associated with mortality among asphyxiated neonates, highlighting the importance of early risk identification in NICUs.