Risk factors in perinatal death: A systematic review of the literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal death occurs from 28 weeks of gestation until the first 28 days of life. Between 2000 and 2019, the annual rate of reduction in the perinatal mortality rate was only 5.2 %. In Mexico, about 38,297 perinatal deaths were recorded. Objective: To identify risk factors that influence perinatal death in women of reproductive age through a systematic review of literature. Methodology: This study used a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A sample of 24 articles was used, considering literature published between 2018 and 2024 in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages. The databases used were PubMed, Virtual Health Library and Science Direct. Studies in which the cause of death was trauma and induced abortion were excluded. The Review Manager tool and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guide were used for literature selection. Results: Risk factors with higher prevalence were: low birth weight, 34.1 %; maternal age ≥ 35 years, 28 %; and not attending prenatal consultations, 25.6 %. In addition, antepartum haemorrhage, asphyxia and the distance to health facilities influenced the perinatal mortality. Conclusions: Women are not attending prenatal consultations despite this being a strategy to reduce perinatal mortality. Further research is recommended on this modifiable and highly prevalent risk factor.