Perinatal Mortality Rate as a Quality Indicator of Healthcare in Al-Dakhiliyah Region, Oman
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2013, Vol 13, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: Tis study aimed to provide insight into the causes of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths and identify better intervention strategies. Methods: Tis was a retrospective study during a 7-year period (January 2003 to December 2009) of all stillbirths and early neonatal deaths at the Nizwa regional referral hospital in AlDakhiliyah region, Oman. Results: Of a total 27,668 births, there were 244 stillbirths and 157 early neonatal deaths. Te perinatal mortality rate (PMR) was 14.49/1,000 births. Te period-specifc rates were 17.23/1,000 in 2003, 18.33/1,000 in 2004, 15.20/1,000 in 2005, 12.20/1,000 in 2006, 12.46/1,000 in 2007 and 12.09/1000 in 2008. Tis decline in the death rate was signifcant (P = <0.005). Te rate rose in 2009 to 15.63/1,000, mostly from an increase in early neonatal deaths (congenital anomalies). Te most common identifable cause of stillbirth was congenital anomalies (18.82%), in which central nervous system anomalies were most common. Other causes include abruptio placentae (13%), cord accidents (12%), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), while the cause remained unknown in 22.59%. Congenital anomalies accounted for 53.50% of early neonatal deaths followed by prematurity (23.56%) and birth asphyxia (5.73%). Extremes of maternal age were related to higher PMRs. Conclusion: An overall improvement in the stillbirths and neonatal death rates was witnessed; however, further improvement is warranted for common avoidable fetal and maternal risk factors. Extra care needs to be provided for women who are at risk of developing complications such as gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, IUGR, etc.
Authors and Affiliations
Asha Santosh| Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nizwa Hospital, Oman, Geeta Zunjarwad| Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nizwa Hospital, Oman, Ilham Hamdi| Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nizwa Hospital, Oman, Jamila A. Al-Nabhani| Departments of Nursing, Nizwa Hospital, Oman, Bahaa E. Sherkawy| Departments of Paediatrics, Nizwa Hospital, Oman, Ibrahim H. Al-Busaidi| Departments of Statistics, Nizwa Hospital, Oman
Keywords
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