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Can we expect to lower perinatal and neonatal mortality?
I Georgsdóttir1, R T Geirsson, J H Jóhannsson
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iceland, National University Hospital, Reykjavik.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Perinatal and neonatal deaths in Iceland decreased between 1976-1985 due to improved perinatal care. Vigilance in antenatal care is crucial for further reducing these mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Perinatal and neonatal mortality rates remain a significant public health concern.
- Assessing the quality of care is essential for identifying areas for improvement in obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality of perinatal and neonatal care in Iceland between 1976 and 1985.
- To identify trends and contributing factors in perinatal and neonatal deaths, focusing on suboptimal care.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing all perinatal and neonatal deaths in Iceland during 1976-1985.
- Careful evaluation of circumstances surrounding each death to assess care quality and identify suboptimal care instances.
Main Results:
- Suboptimal care was associated with 35% of deaths in 1976-1980 and 29% in 1981-1985.
- Significant reductions in suboptimal intrapartum care (p<0.05) and substantial reductions in suboptimal neonatal care (62%) were observed.
- Antenatal care showed a 25% reduction in suboptimal cases, while maternal decisions against medical advice contributed to a few deaths.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal care in Iceland demonstrated improvement during the study period.
- Continued vigilance in identifying abnormal findings during routine antenatal care is essential for further lowering perinatal mortality rates.