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Birth associated trauma
Bassam H Awari1, Ibrahim Al-Habdan, Mir Sadat-Ali
1Department of Pediatrics, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Medical Journal
|July 9, 2003
Summary
This study found a birth injury incidence of 6.70 per 1,000 live births at King Fahd Hospital. Higher birth weight was a significant factor, and efforts should continue to reduce birth trauma.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Neonatal Care
- Public Health
Background:
- Birth injuries represent a significant concern in neonatal care.
- Understanding the incidence and risk factors is crucial for prevention strategies.
- Previous literature provides a benchmark for comparison of local data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of birth injuries at King Fahd Hospital of the University in Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
- To identify types of birth trauma and delivery methods associated with these injuries.
- To compare findings with existing international literature.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 31,028 consecutive deliveries from January 1986 to December 1996.
- Comparison of a study group with a matched control group.
- Data collection included delivery type, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and specific injury types.
Main Results:
- An overall incidence of 6.70 birth injuries per 1,000 live births was recorded.
- The majority of injuries (55%) occurred during normal vaginal deliveries.
- Common injuries included scalp trauma (104), nerve injuries (50), fractures (20), and intracranial hemorrhage (21); higher birth weight was significantly associated with injuries (p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- The study identified various birth-related traumas at a teaching institution.
- The overall incidence of birth injuries was lower than reported in other studies.
- Higher birth weight was the only significant factor identified; continued efforts to minimize birth injuries are recommended.