Severe Intrauterine Infections Cause Newborn Deaths in Russia

The infants who died at Russia's Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No. 1 during the January holidays have been diagnosed with severe intrauterine infections.

During this period, the hospital recorded 234 births, with 32 newborns admitted to intensive care, 17 of whom were in critical condition, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

Among these were 16 premature babies, including some with extremely low birth weight. All 17 critically ill infants had severe intrauterine infections, and one was found to have a primary immunodeficiency.

Currently, four infants remain under intensive care, while another four were transferred to the Kuzbass Children’s Clinical Hospital for treatment.

Initial reports indicated 10 infant deaths, but the figure was later corrected to nine fatalities.

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on suspicion of death by negligence and malpractice. Investigators are collecting medical records and conducting forensic examinations to determine the exact cause of the infants’ deaths.