Abstract
Objective:
Evaluate the impact of improved neonatal intensive care facilities on survival and referral patterns at a teaching hospital in Ghana.
Study Design:
Retrospective cohort comparing birth weight-specific survival and referral pattern of newborns requiring intensive care before and after improvement of facilities.
Result:
Improved survival of newborns <2500 g especially those 1000–1499 g (OR=1.74 (CI 1.38–2.20; P<0.00001) for inborn, OR=2.16 (CI 1.36–3.44; P=0.0006) for out-born). Birth asphyxia, the major indication for ⩾2500 g newborn referrals, was associated with reduced survival (OR=0.56 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.78; P=0.0004)). There was fourfold increased referral of out-born ⩾2500 g.
Conclusion:
Improved facilities significantly improved survival of newborns <2500 g, but was of no benefit for newborns ⩾2500 g. A scaling-up approach with investments that improve emergency obstetric services, referral systems, human resources and neonatal resuscitation practices will save more newborn lives.
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Enweronu-Laryea, C., Nkyekyer, K. & Rodrigues, O. The impact of improved neonatal intensive care facilities on referral pattern and outcome at a teaching hospital in Ghana. J Perinatol 28, 561–565 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.61
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.61
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