Birthweight specific perinatal mortality in Greece

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• The Greek Perinatal Study in April 1983 identified a high perinatal mortality rate of 21.6 per 1,000 total births.
• This occurred despite a low birthweight rate of only 4.5% in Greece.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perinatal mortality rates in Greece with those in Denmark.
• To identify the primary causes of perinatal deaths in Greece.
• To recommend strategies for reducing perinatal mortality in Greece.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of perinatal mortality data from Greece and Denmark for 1983.
• Classification of Greek perinatal deaths using the Wigglesworth classification.
• Analysis of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality rates.

Main Results:

• Greek perinatal mortality rates were three times higher than Danish rates.
• Greek stillbirth rates were double, and early neonatal mortality rates were four times higher than Danish rates.
• Intrapartum asphyxia accounted for 40% of Greek perinatal deaths, a rate 10 times higher than in Denmark.

Conclusions:

• Excessively high perinatal mortality in Greece necessitates targeted interventions.
• Improving intrapartum care and resuscitation techniques is critical.
• Addressing intrapartum asphyxia is key to reducing Greek perinatal mortality.