Infant Mortality Lessons Learned from a Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Indianapolis Healthy Start program serves women with high-risk pregnancies.
• Fetal and infant mortality remain significant public health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fetal and infant deaths among Indianapolis Healthy Start participants.
• To identify factors contributing to these deaths.
• To develop prevention strategies using National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of 22 fetal and infant deaths among program participants (2005-2012).
• Utilized Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) FIMR database and trained FIMR nurses.
• Conducted maternal interviews and compiled case summaries.

Main Results:

• Identified 349 family strengths, 219 contributing factors, and 220 recommendations.
• Common themes included lack of social support, absent paternal involvement, substance abuse, and poor health behaviors.
• FIMR deliberation values were similar to other county infant deaths.

Conclusions:

• Many reviewed infant deaths were preventable.
• Preconception and inter-conception education are crucial.
• Improving the quality and content of prenatal care is essential for prevention.