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Irish neonatal mortality--12 years on.
A Foran1, E Dempsey, A Watters
1Department of Paediatrics, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth.
Irish Medical Journal
|December 10, 2002
Summary
Neonatal mortality in Ireland significantly decreased from 1987 to 1999, with fewer deaths from prematurity and asphyxia. However, congenital malformations remain a leading cause, highlighting the need for improved neonatal care and morbidity tracking.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal mortality rates in Ireland have historically been a concern.
- Previous studies, such as Counahan and Clarke (1987), established baseline data for neonatal deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess trends in neonatal mortality in Ireland between 1987 and 1999.
- To identify the primary causes of neonatal death in Ireland for the year 1999.
- To compare current neonatal mortality data with historical data to evaluate changes in care and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide questionnaire survey was distributed to all pediatricians in Ireland.
- Data collected pertained to live-born infants over 500g birth weight who died within 28 days of life in 1999.
- Deaths were categorized using the Wigglesworth Classification; data was compared to 1987 figures.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 91% was achieved, with 186 neonatal deaths reported in 1999, a decrease from 310 in 1987.
- Congenital malformations (39%) and prematurity (37%) were the leading causes of death in 1999.
- The overall Neonatal Mortality Rate decreased from 5.3/1000 in 1987 to 3.48/1000 in 1999.
Conclusions:
- A significant reduction in neonatal mortality in Ireland is evident, with notable decreases in deaths attributed to prematurity and asphyxia.
- Congenital malformations remain a persistent major cause of neonatal death, indicating areas for targeted intervention.
- Despite reduced mortality, the need for comprehensive data on long-term outcomes for surviving preterm and asphyxiated infants is critical, suggesting the exploration of a national neonatal morbidity register.