“Neonatal Outcomes In A Level II Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit”
الباحث الأول:
Raid M R Umran
المجلة:
Pediatrics International
تاريخ النشر:
None
مختصر البحث:
Abstract
Background: Improving the neonatal mortality is a challenge in developing countries like Iraq. Increasing demands and overload of maternity services can considerably limit the improvement in neonatal outcomes. We aimed to document the numb…
Abstract
Background: Improving the neonatal mortality is a challenge in developing countries like Iraq. Increasing demands and overload of maternity services can considerably limit the improvement in neonatal outcomes. We aimed to document the numbers, disease patterns and outcomes of admitted newborns and the improvement after implementing clinical protocols and to identify possible future target measures. Method: A descriptive study was conducted at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a regional hospital from 2011 to 2013. Out of 72320 deliveries, 4694 were admitted and met selection criteria. Clinical guidelines, clinical skills training of nurses and resident doctors and improving medical records were implemented during study period. All patients' demographics, causes of admission/death and the mortality were analyzed. Results: From total 4694 admitted newborns; 42% were delivered vaginally, 60% were males, 43% were less than 2500 g, and 31% of them were premature. The neonatal fatalities consisted of 1076 newborns, 84% of them died before 7 days of age, and 39% of them weighed ≤ 1500 g. Respiratory distress syndrome was the main cause of death (62.2%). The total number of deliveries was increased, corresponding with an increased number of vaginal deliveries (R=0.97), thereby significantly increasing the number of NICU admissions (R=0.569, p=0.009). Notably, the mortality rate was significantly decreased (R=-0.487, p=0.004). Conclusions: The maternity overload contributed to high neonatal mortality and implementing clinical guidelines and medical staff training improve the neonatal outcomes. Adequate timing of cesarean section and increasing the awareness to detect potentially complicated deliveries are the future target interventions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
