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Table 1 Cause of death categories in neonatology

From: Consultation of parents and healthcare professionals in end-of-life decision-making for neonates and infants: a population-level mortality follow-back physician survey

The following cause of death categories were identified:

- Prematurity and related disorders: Death due to a direct cause of prematurity, immaturity or disorders related to prematurity. For example, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, or death due to (extremely) low birth weight or low gestational age.

- Congenital anomalies - singular: Death due to a single congenital anomaly with a defect in one organ or organ system. For example, a congenital malformation of the heart or a spina bifida.

- Congenital anomalies - multiple or systemic disorders: Death due to the presence of multiple congenital anomalies in different organ systems, or due to a disorder that affects multiple organ systems. For example, chromosomal disorders, multiple congenital malformations diagnosed in one infant, or an inborn error of metabolism.

- Complications of pregnancy with repercussions on foetal growth or development: Infant died due to complications of pregnancy that had an influence on the growth or the health of the baby prenatally. For example, a cytomegalovirus infection with congenital infection of the foetus, or pre-eclampsia with severe intrauterine growth restriction.

- Acute complications of pregnancy and/or birth in a previously healthy foetus. For example, a placental abruption or birth trauma causing oxygen deprivation.

- Disorders acquired after birth: Death due to a non-congenital disorder, acquired after birth of a previously healthy baby. For example, infectious diseases resulting in multiple organ failure.

- Other: Cause of death was sudden, without previous diagnoses. Examples are sudden infant death syndrome, accidents or trauma.