Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

An epidemiological study of factors associated with preterm infant in-hospital mortality

J Lutomski1, E Dempsey, E Molloy

  • 1National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork. J.Lutomski@ucc.ie

Irish Medical Journal
|March 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

In-hospital mortality for preterm infants in Ireland is now known. Very low birth weight, severe brain bleeds, and congenital anomalies significantly increase preterm infant death risk in intensive care units (ICUs).

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nationally representative in-hospital mortality data for preterm infants in Ireland were previously unavailable.
  • Understanding these rates is crucial for improving neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine in-hospital mortality rates for preterm infants admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Ireland.
  • To identify risk factors associated with mortality in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based study analyzing data from 6,599 preterm infants admitted to Irish ICUs between 2005 and 2008.
  • Calculation of unadjusted incidence rates and risk ratios for mortality.
  • Analysis of mortality based on birth weight, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) severity, and congenital anomalies.

Main Results:

  • Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.9% (256 deaths).
  • Infants weighing less than 1,000 grams had an 18.1-fold increased mortality risk.
  • Grade 3/4 intra-ventricular hemorrhage (43.6%) and congenital anomalies (RR 5.1) were associated with significantly higher mortality.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first reliable estimates of in-hospital mortality for preterm infants in Irish ICUs.
  • Key risk factors for mortality include extremely low birth weight, severe brain injury, and congenital anomalies.
  • Findings can inform targeted interventions and resource allocation in neonatal care.

More Related Videos

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Introduction to Epidemiology01:26

Introduction to Epidemiology

Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...