[Decrease in foetal and neonatal mortality in the Netherlands; comparison with other Euro-Peristat countries in 2004,...

Area of Science:

• Perinatal epidemiology
• Public health surveillance
• Reproductive health outcomes

Background:

• Monitoring fetal, neonatal, and perinatal mortality is crucial for assessing population health.
• Trends in mortality rates vary across European countries, necessitating comparative analysis.
• The Netherlands has specific healthcare policies and demographic factors influencing perinatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in fetal, neonatal, and perinatal mortality in the Netherlands from 2004 to 2015.
• To benchmark the Netherlands' mortality rates against other European countries and regions.
• To identify potential factors contributing to observed trends in mortality.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, population-wide study analyzing data from 32 European countries and regions.
• Utilized Euro-Peristat data, standardizing definitions for fetal (≥28 weeks) and neonatal (≥24 weeks) mortality.
• Grouped countries into the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Fetal mortality in the Netherlands decreased by 24% (2.9 to 2.2 per 1,000 births) between 2010 and 2015.
• Neonatal mortality decreased by 9% (2.2 to 2.0 per 1,000 live births) during the same period.
• Perinatal mortality saw an 18% reduction (5.1 to 4.2 per 1,000 births), and the Netherlands improved its European ranking from 18th (2004) to 10th (2015).

Conclusions:

• Fetal, neonatal, and perinatal mortality rates in the Netherlands significantly decreased by 2015 compared to 2004 and 2010.
• The Netherlands' improved European ranking reflects positive changes in healthcare organization, population characteristics, and risk factors.
• While progress is evident, comparisons with leading regions like Scandinavia suggest potential for further reduction in mortality rates.