[Perinatal mortality in Iceland 1988-2017]

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Health
• Public Health
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Perinatal mortality encompasses stillbirth and neonatal death within the first week of life.
• Iceland has achieved one of the world's lowest perinatal mortality rates.
• Understanding trends and causes is crucial for further reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in perinatal mortality rate and causes in Iceland over 30 years (1988-2017).
• To identify potential strategies for further reducing perinatal mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of stillbirths and neonatal deaths (≥28+0 weeks gestation).
• Data sourced from the Icelandic Medical Birth Registry and annual birth reports.
• Analysis using Poisson regression to calculate annual percent change.

Main Results:

• Overall perinatal mortality rate declined by an average of 3.3% annually.
• Deaths due to congenital anomalies decreased by 4.8% annually, linked to improved prenatal diagnosis.
• Growth-restricted stillbirths decreased by 3.1% annually; non-growth-restricted stillbirths showed no significant decrease.

Conclusions:

• Significant decline in Iceland's perinatal mortality over three decades.
• Improved prenatal diagnosis contributed to reduced deaths from congenital anomalies.
• Continued focus on identifying and managing non-growth-restricted stillbirths is needed; women should report decreased fetal movements.