Post-perinatal infant mortality in Glasgow 1979-81.

Post-perinatal infant mortality (PPIM; deaths from the 8th day to the end of the 1st year of life) was studied in Glasgow over the 3-year period 1979-81. The 244 deaths were divided into three main categories--those determined at birth, those due to accidents and acquired disease, and cot deaths. 50% of deaths were determined at birth, and of these 46% were due to prematurity and 49% to congenital disorder. Cot deaths accounted for 44% of the total (88% of deaths not determined at birth) and a definite cause could be identified in only 10% of these. The PPIM rate was 6.1 per 1000 livebirths, a significant part of the infant mortality rate of 12.6. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the possible reduction of these figures.