Article Text
Abstract
Proper transport of newborns to an intensive care department affects subsequent outcome and prognosis.
Objective The aim of the study was to assess severe morbidity (SM) and mortality (M) of neonates transported to our department and compare it with inborns.
Method 601 and 777 newborns were admitted in years 1999–2000 and 2006–2007, respectively. Those included inborns, neonates transferred from public and private nurseries of Athens and rural areas. Neonates with severe morbidity (SM) comprised those with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage III–IV and retinopathy of prematurity requiring surgery. Neonates were categorized into those <1500 gr, 1500–2500 gr and >2500 gr.
Results
Increased severe morbidity and mortality of term neonates transported from public nurseries and rural areas in 1999–2000 (14.2% p = 0.011, 13.3% p = 0.013).
Increased mortality of term neonates transported from rural areas in 2006–2007 (7.1 p = 0.007).
Results
Conclusion It is evident that immediate measures should be taken in rural areas to ensure proper transport (intrauterine where possible) of newborns to the NICU.