Perinatal mortality in Shanghai: 1986-1987.

The incidence of, and risk factors associated with, perinatal mortality in Shanghai during 1986-1987 are examined using data from a multi-site study conducted in 29 hospitals. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 14.96 per 1000 births. The mortality rates of antepartum fetal death, intrapartum fetal death and early neonatal death were 5.97, 2.06 and 6.94 per 1000 births, respectively. The perinatal mortality rates increased in winter and late spring. Male neonates were 1.5 times more likely to die than females. Low birthweight and preterm infants had 15 to 80 times higher risk of perinatal death. Higher parity, multiple pregnancy, and maternal age greater than or equal to 35 years were the risk factors for perinatal mortality. Asphyxia, cord complications, and congenital malformations were found to be the major causes of perinatal deaths. Comparison of mortality rates between Shanghai and the US suggests that the shortage of advanced technology in perinatal care (e.g. neonatal intensive care units) is a major obstacle to the reduction of perinatal mortality in Shanghai.     

Maternal characteristics associated with place of delivery and neonatal mortality rates among very-low-birthweight infants,Georgia

To determine whether the Healthy People 2000 objective to deliver very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants at subspecialty perinatal care centres was met, and if improvements in the regional perinatal care system could reduce neonatal mortality further for 2010, we examined place of delivery for VLBW infants, associated maternal characteristics and the potential impact on neonatal mortality. We used linked birth and death records for the 1994-96 Georgia VLBW (i.e. 500-1499 g) birth cohorts. Among 4770 VLBW infants, 77% were delivered at hospitals providing subspecialty perinatal care. The strongest predictor of birth hospital level was the mother's county of residence, defined using three levels: residence in a county with a subspecialty hospital, residence in a county adjacent to one with such a hospital or residence in a non-adjacent county. Eighty-nine per cent of infants born to women who resided in counties with subspecialty care hospitals delivered at such hospitals, compared with 53% of infants born to women who resided in a non-adjacent county. Women were also more likely to deliver outside subspecialty care if they had less than adequate prenatal care [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.5, P-value = 0.0001]. The neonatal mortality rate varied by level of perinatal care at the birth hospital from 132.1/1000 to 283/1000 live births, with the highest death rate for infants born at hospitals offering the lowest level of care. Assuming that the differences in mortality were due to care level of the birth hospital, potentially 16-23% of neonatal deaths among VLBW infants could have been prevented if 90% of infants born outside subspecialty care were delivered at the recommended level. These findings suggest that a state's support of strong, collaborative, regional perinatal care networks is required to ensure that high-risk women and infants receive optimal health care. Improved access to recommended care levels should further reduce neonatal mortality until interventions are identified to prevent VLBW births.     

An assessment of the effects of maternal age and parity in different components of perinatal mortality

Perinatal mortality has several components which may have distinct epidemiologic features. In an investigation of the total singleton birth population of New York City in 1976-1978 (n = 320,726), the authors divided perinatal mortality into four components: late fetal deaths that occurred before labor (late antepartum fetal deaths), fetal deaths during labor (intrapartum fetal deaths), neonatal deaths, and perinatal deaths attributed to congenital anomalies, and they assessed the relation of each of these to maternal age and parity, controlling for relevant confounding factors. In analyses which controlled for prior fetal loss, type of service (public vs. private), race, marital status, and mother's educational attainment in a multiple logistic regression model, the authors found that: 1) increasing maternal age was strongly associated with antepartum fetal deaths but not with intrapartum fetal deaths, while older maternal age was also associated with perinatal deaths attributed to congenital anomalies; 2) high parity bore a strong relationship to intrapartum fetal deaths, but none to antepartum fetal deaths, neonatal deaths, or congenital anomaly deaths; and 3) for neonatal death, there was a statistically significant (p less than 0.001) interaction between parity and age such that mothers over 34 years old having their first birth were at especially high risk.     

Current trends in perinatal mortality statistics at the New Jersey Obstetric Center

The study presents an overview of the changes in perinatal mortality rates at the Statewide Perinatal Center of New Jersey during the past decades. According to the data, the increase in the rate of cesarean sections from 4.5 percent to 17 percent, and the comparable reduction of the rates of manipulative intrapartum and extraction procedures, contributed significantly to the decrease of the perinatal mortality rates from 51/1000 to 17/1000 between 1971 and 1983. Of the new technical tools, those utilized for the evaluation of fetal well-being antepartum appeared to be more useful then those used intrapartum. On account of the high prevalence of genital infections in the population, the recent acceptance in the service of the use of invasive intrapartum technology, appears to have impacted unfavorably upon the perinatal mortality trends. The increased rate of births of premature babies, the widespread abuse of habit forming drugs in the community, and the routine use of procedures requiring artificial rupture of the membranes, probably all contributed to the rapid increase of the perinatal mortality rate in the Center from 15/1000 in 1986 to 28/1000 in 1988. It is concluded that perinatal care is a complex medical and social task. The overall result of the relevant efforts depends to a great extent upon the social environment, and the moral standing, educational level and motivation of the recipients.     

Racial and ethnic differences in perinatal mortality: the role of fetal death

PURPOSE: We investigate whether variations in infant mortality rates among racial/ethnic groups could be explained by variations in fetal mortality rates where relatively higher infant mortality rates may correspond to lower fetal mortality rates due to possible systematic differences in reporting of fetal death compared to live births. METHODS: Using US perinatal data from 1995 to 1999, we calculated crude mortality rates, birth weight-specific fetal and hebdomadal mortality rates, risks of perinatal death, and the risk of being classified as a fetal death versus other period death among infants born to Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic mothers. RESULTS: Two-fold disparities between Whites and Blacks persist for all mortality categories. Black low birth-weight deliveries, compared to Whites, have perinatal advantages in both fetal and hebdomadal periods. Hispanics were less likely than Whites to be reported as a fetal versus a hebdomadal death. CONCLUSIONS: While these data suggest some underreporting of Black fetal deaths, they provide little evidence that Black-White disparities in infant mortality are a function of variations in classifying a death occurring at delivery as either a fetal death or as a live birth-infant death. These data suggest that the lack of a White-Hispanic disparity in fetal mortality rates may be influenced by underreporting.     

Do all hospitals need cesarean delivery capability? An outcomes study of maternity care in a rural hospital without on-site cesarean capability

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed perinatal outcomes at a rural hospital without cesarean delivery capability. STUDY DESIGN: This was a historical cohort outcomes study. POPULATION: The study population included all pregnant women at 20 weeks or greater of gestational age (n = 1132) over a 5-year period in a predominantly Native American region of northwestern New Mexico. OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes studied included perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, obstetric emergencies, intrapartum and antepartum transfers, and cesarean delivery rate. We did a detailed case review of all obstetric emergencies and low-Apgar-score births at Zuni-Ramah Hospital and all cesarean deliveries for fetal distress at referral hospitals. RESULTS: Of the 1132 women in the study population, 64.7% (n = 735) were able to give birth at the hospital without operative facilities; 25.6% (n = 290) were transferred before labor; and 9.5% (n = 107) were transferred during labor. The perinatal mortality rate of 11.4 per 1000 (95% confidence interval, 5.1-17.8) was similar to the nationwide rate of 12.8 per 1000 even though Zuni-Ramah has a high-risk obstetric population. No instances of major neonatal or maternal morbidity caused by lack of surgical facilities occurred. The cesarean delivery rate of 7.3% was significantly lower than the nationwide rate of 20.7% (P <.001). The incidence of neonates with low Apgar scores (0.54%) was significantly lower than the nationwide rate (1.4%). The incidence of neonates requiring resuscitation (3.4%) was comparable to the nationwide rate (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a rural maternity care unit without surgical facilities can safely allow a high proportion of women to give birth closer to their communities. This study demonstrated a low level of perinatal risk. Most transfers were made for induction or augmentation of labor. Rural hospitals that do not have cesarean delivery capability but are part of an integrated perinatal system can safely offer obstetric services by using appropriate antepartum and intrapartum screening criteria for obstetric risk.     

Perinatal mortality in rural Malawi.

Reported are the results of a study to assess the prevalence and risk factors for perinatal death among pregnant women in Malawi over the period 1987-90. There were 264 perinatal deaths among the 3866 women with singleton pregnancies (perinatal mortality rate, 68.3 per 1000 births). Among the risk factors for perinatal mortality were the following: reactive syphilis serology, nulliparity, a late fetal or neonatal death in the most recent previous birth, maternal height < 150 cm, home delivery, and low socioeconomic status. Although unexplained perinatal deaths will continue to occur, perinatal mortality can be reduced if its causes and risk factors in a community are given priority in antenatal and intrapartum care programmes. The following interventions could potentially reduce the perinatal mortality in the study population: screening and treating women with reactive syphilis serology; and management from early labour, by competent personnel in a health facility, of nulliparous women and multiparous women who are short or have a history of a perinatal death.     

Perinatal Periods of Risk: Analysis of Fetal–Infant Mortality Rates in Kansas City,Missouri

Objectives: The Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) technique was used to analyze resident fetal and infant death data from Kansas City, Missouri, for the period 1998–2002. Results offer important information that can be used to develop community-based prevention strategies related to racial/ethnic disparities in infant mortality rates (IMR). Methods: The PPOR approach for fetal and infant mortality can be mapped by birthweight at delivery and time of death into four strategic prevention areas: 1) Maternal Health/Prematurity (MHP), 2) Maternal Care (MC), 3) Newborn Care (NC), and 4) Infant Health (IH). For this analysis, all fetal and infant death certificates from the metropolitan Kansas City area were linked to their birth certificates and those associated with residents of Kansas City, Missouri, proper were used to create the dataset used in this analysis. Due to the small number of fetal and infant deaths among other ethnic groups, the analysis was restricted to a comparison of the disparity of IMR between Blacks, Whites, and a national non-Hispanic white reference group. The Kitagawa formula was used to determine contribution to excess deaths from birthweight-specific mortality and birthweight distribution rates. Logistic regression techniques were used to identify risk factors for death among Black fetuses and infants with very low birthweights and also deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Results: The PPOR analysis showed that of the excess deaths among black infants, when compared to a national reference group, 47% was attributable to MHP and another 29% was attributable to IH. Differences in MC and NC only accounted for 27 and 8% of the total excess deaths. During the study period, rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were found to be significantly higher among Blacks as compared to Whites (2.12 vs. 0.81 per 1,000). An analysis of maternal characteristics for SIDS deaths among blacks using a step-wise logistic regression model, found that maternal age less than 20 years old, previous births, inadequate prenatal care, and being a Medicaid recipient were significant—adjusted odds ratios of 23.7 (95% Cl 10.48, 53.67), 8.4 (95% Cl 3.64, 19.21), 2.9 (95% Cl 1.38, 6.05) and 2.5 (95% Cl 1.04, 5.84), respectively. Conclusions: PPOR is an easy to use approach that helps focus community initiatives for improving maternal and infant health. In Kansas City, Missouri, efforts to further lower IMR in blacks can be achieved through the reduction of risk factors affecting maternal health and through maternal education to improve infant health.     

Causes of perinatal mortality in Pelotas, RS (Brazil). Use of a simplified classification

The causes of perinatal mortality among 7392 hospital births which occurred in Pelotas, RS, Brazil during 1982, were analyzed using the simplified classification described by Wigglesworth. The main advantage of this classification is that it can be used even in places where postmortems are seldom performed. The perinatal deaths were classified into 5 groups: a) macerated fetuses without malformations; b) congenital malformations; c) immaturity; d) asphyxia, and e) other causes of death. The perinatal mortality rate was 33.7/1000 births, nearly equally divided between fetal and early neonatal deaths, and 8.8% of the babies were of low birthweight. 36% of the perinatal deaths were antepartum stillbirths, and 60% of these weighed 2000 g or more. The 2nd most important cause was immaturity, which accounted for 31% of the deaths. In this latter group, 21% weighed 2000 g or more at birth. These findings, as well as the high birthweight-specific perinatal mortality rates, strongly suggest that there are deficiencies in the antenatal and delivery care in Pelotas that must be corrected promptly. Policies that should be implemented by health planners include: decentralization of antenatal care clinics; utilization in these clinics of the "at-risk" concept to identify women at high risk of delivering low birthweight babies, efforts to increase community participation and home visits in order to attract those pregnant women who do not attend clinics. In addition, it is mandatory that well-trained doctors (obstetricians and pediatricians) should be available 24 hours/day at the maternity hospitals to assist mothers and babies identified as being at high risk. (author's)     

Multiple Deliveries in North Carolina: Effects on Birth Outcomes

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the trends in multiple deliveries in North Carolina and assess their effect on the rates of low birth weight, fetal mortality, and infant mortality. Methods: Using North Carolina vital statistics files, trends in multiple births, categorized by race, maternal age, and birth weight, were examined for the period 1980–1997. A partitioning method was used to estimate the contribution of maternal age distribution and age-specific multiple birth rates to the overall increase in multiple births, and the contribution of the changing multiple birth rate to observed trends in low birth weight and fetal and infant mortality. Results: Between 1980 and 1997, the state's multiple birth rate increased by 40%. Most of the increase was due to a rise in the age-specific multiple birth rates, rather than a shift in the maternal age distribution. The increase in the multiple birth rate accounted for a substantial proportion of the increase in low birth weight among Whites and Blacks. The rise in multiple births also hindered further declines in fetal and infant mortality during this time. Conclusions: Multiple births are an increasingly important contributor to perinatal outcomes, and warrant greater consideration in research aimed at evaluating trends in low birth weight and infant mortality.     

Can clinical risk factors for late stillbirth in West Africa be detected during antenatal care or only during labour?

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that the most important risk factors for perinatal mortality in developing countries are not detectable during antenatal care but can be observed only shortly before or during labour. Although 60% of perinatal deaths in these countries are stillbirths, few epidemiological studies focus on them. We tested the hypothesis that the risk factors for late stillbirth in West Africa are detectable principally shortly before or during labour. METHODS: Data came from a prospective population-based study (the MOMA survey) that collected information about 20 326 pregnant women in seven areas, primarily urban, in West Africa. RESULTS: There were 19 870 singleton births. The stillbirth rate was 25.9 per 1000 total births (95% CI: 23.7-28.1). In the crude analysis, after adjustment and consideration of prevalence, the principal risk factors for late stillbirth were: late antenatal or intrapartum vaginal bleeding, intrapartum hypertension, dystocia, and infection. Other risk factors were: maternal height (<150 cm), maternal age (>35 years), previous stillbirths, hypertension at the 8-month antenatal visit and number of antenatal visits (<2). CONCLUSIONS: The principal risk factors for late stillbirth observed in our study could be detected only in the late antenatal and intrapartum period. These results highlight the potential benefits of partograph use. They need to be confirmed by studies incorporating continuous intrapartum fetal monitoring.     

Antenatal and perinatal care in Jamaica: do they reduce perinatal death rates?

Summary. Information concerning 9919 singleton pregnancies delivered in Jamaica in the 2-month period of September and October 1986 and surviving the early neonatal period were compared with 1847 singleton perinatal deaths occurring in the 12-month period from 1 September 1986 to 31 August 1987, classified according to the Wigglesworth schema.
Logistic regression was used to assess features of antenatal and intrapartum care that were associated with the different groups of perinatal death after taking account of environmental, maternal and medical factors.
In Jamaica, 67% of all mothers took iron during pregnancy. These mothers appeared to have a lower risk of perinatal death. This does not appear to be an artefact related to the gestation at which the mother delivers, and was particularly associated with antepartum fetal deaths.
Commencement of antenatal care in the first trimester appeared to reduce the risk of all perinatal deaths, and for intrapartum asphyxia in particular. It is speculated that the mechanism may involve early detection and treatment of anaemia and syphilis.
Quality of perinatal care available in the area of residence, as measured by the presence of consultant obstetricians and a paediatric consultant unit, is shown to be significantly related to a reduction in deaths from intrapartum asphyxia, but it appeared not to be related to antepartum fetal deaths.     

Geographic Accessibility to Health Services and Neonatal Mortality Among Very-Low Birthweight Infants in South Carolina

Introduction Mortality for infants born with very-low birthweight (VLBW, 500–1499 grams) is markedly higher than for babies born with normal birthweight (2500–4000 grams). Although these high-risk infants show better outcomes in advanced care settings, only 80 % of VLBW infants born in South Carolina (SC) are delivered in hospitals with a level-III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The purpose of this research project was to assess geographic access to delivery hospitals and risk of neonatal death among singleton VLBW infants born in SC. Methods The linked birth and death records of a cross-sectional, population-based study of singleton VLBW infants born in SC between 2010 and 2012 were used (n = 2030). We assessed the impact of travel time from maternal residence to delivery hospital. Logistic regression modeling was performed with adjustments for maternal, newborn, and hospital characteristics. Results The neonatal mortality rate among singleton VLBW infants was 11.03 deaths per 100 live births in 2010–2012. We did not find a significant association between travel time to delivery hospital and neonatal mortality after adjusting for confounders. However, we found that a 1-week increase in gestational age (odds ratio (OR): 0.61) and non-Hispanic black mothers (versus non-Hispanic white mothers) (OR: 0.68) were associated with lower odds of neonatal death, whereas non-NICU admission at birth (OR: 5.90) was associated with increased odds of death. The results of the sensitivity analyses including both singleton and multiple births did not yield significant results for travel time and neonatal mortality in VLBW infants. Discussion Although we found no significant association between travel time and neonatal mortality in singleton VLBW births in SC, we identified significant factors consistent with those found in previous studies that may affect neonatal mortality.     

A controlled evaluation of rural regional perinatal care: impact on mortality and morbidity.

The impact of a rural regional perinatal care (RPC) program was assessed by a quasi-experimental, controlled, population-based design. Outcome measures included changes in five-year average fetal and neonatal mortality rates as well as short-term obstetric and newborn morbidity. Declines in fetal and neonatal as well as birthweight specific mortality rates were observed for both pilot and control regions, for both races, and especially for 1501-2500 g infants. However, comparisons of preprogram (1966-74) and postprogram (1975-80) average yearly changes showed no statistically significant differences between regions. While the incidence of prenatal morbidity was the same for both regions, intrapartum and newborn morbidity significantly favored the pilot region. These results were difficult to interpret. Program relevant implications of the findings in relation to rural RPC in North Carolina are discussed. Specific benefits appeared to be associated with the development of two high-risk maternity clinics and a Level II center capability in the pilot region. The importance of community support and public/private sector cooperation in relation to RPC is noted.     

Risk factors for perinatal death in Cape Verde

Summary.   Risk factors for perinatal death in the Cape Verde islands were assessed among 104 bereaved mothers and 292 mothers of surviving infants in an area-based case–control study in 1992–93. Prospectively gathered information on risk factors was obtained from medical records supplemented with post-partum interviews and anthropometric measurements of mothers and infants. No autopsies were performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied. Out of 23 alleged maternal and two alleged infant risk factors, the following seven proved significantly and independently correlated with perinatal death: first pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9); previous hypertensive disease (OR = 4.2); previous perinatal death (OR = 4.6); pre-eclampsia (OR = 7.0); non-cephalic fetal presentation (OR = 17.1); male infant (OR = 2.1) and maternal post-partum fever (OR = 3.1). The perinatal mortality rate was calculated as 37–46/1000 total births. A reduction in the mortality rate warrants antenatal and obstetric care with emphasis on primiparous women; improved detection and treatment of hypertensive disorders and genital infections; and improved intrapartum fetal observation and resuscitation routines.     

Rising Infant Mortality in Delaware: An Examination of Racial Differences in Secular Trends

Objectives: Recent increases in the Delaware Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) have been attributed to a rise in the mortality of very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants born to mothers of higher socioeconomic status. This study examines whether the determinants of infant mortality trends in Delaware vary by race. Methods: Linked birth/infant death cohort files for the two periods 1993–1997 and 1998–2002 were used to evaluate the determinants of infant mortality trends separately for White and Black racial groups. Kitagawa analyses determined the components of race-specific infant mortality trends attributable to changes in both the birthweight distribution and birthweight-specific mortality rates. Maternal characteristics were examined to identify factors associated with IMR changes. Results: Between the two time periods, infant mortality increased 23% among White infants and 17% among Black infants. For both races, the infant mortality increase was explained by increases in the incidence and mortality of VLBW infants, specifically below <500 grams for Blacks and <1,000 grams for Whites. The increased incidence of VLBW deliveries was statistically significant only among Whites, almost 40% of which was explained by an increase in multiple births. For both Whites and Blacks, the increase in VLBW mortality occurred mainly among births to more traditionally advantaged women who were twenty or older, at least high school educated, married, privately insured, had received first trimester prenatal care, and those who delivered multiple births. Conclusions: These findings suggest that conventional strategies of increasing access to prenatal care among disadvantaged women may be insufficient to reverse recent IMR increases in Delaware, irrespective of race. Future efforts should focus on understanding the causes of the increased infant mortality associated with higher socioeconomic status, including changes in assisted reproductive technology utilization, maternal health status, and obstetric practice.     

Perinatal mortality in southern Brazil: a population-based study of 7392 births

Perinatal, fetal and early neonatal mortality rates were determined in a population of 7392 babies born in hospitals in Pelotas (total population, 260 000) during 1982. These babies represented over 99% of all births in the city in that year. The perinatal mortality rate for singletons was 31.9 per 1000 total births, the fetal mortality rate being 16.2 and the early neonatal mortality rate 15.9 per 1000 total births.     

82例妊娠晚期死胎的临床分析

目的探讨妊娠晚期导致胎死宫内的主要原因,制定预防措施,降低围生儿死亡率。方法对昌吉市人民医院2005～2009年收治的82例死胎病例资料进行回顾性分析。结果死胎的原因顺位依次为妊娠并发症、脐带和胎盘因素。结论加强对育龄妇女的孕期保健知识的宣传,加强高危妊娠的监测,对降低围生期母儿死亡率有重要意义。     

Cause-specific perinatal death rates, birth weight and deprivation in the West Midlands, 1991-93

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between cause-specific perinatal death rates, material deprivation and birthweight among births in 3 consecutive years in the West Midlands Health Region. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: West Midlands Health Region (WMHR). STUDY POPULATION: All births (live and stillbirths) to mothers with addresses in the WMHR in 1991, 1992 and 1993. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cause-specific perinatal death rates--crude and stratified by birthweight. METHODS: Perinatal deaths in the WMHR in 1991-93, collected as part of the national Confidential Enquiry into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy, were classified into causes of death by the extended Wigglesworth classification. Crude rates for cause-specific perinatal deaths and rates stratified by birthweight < 2500 g and > or = 2500 g were calculated for each enumeration district (ED) quintile derived by ranking enumeration districts for the whole of the region by Townsend Deprivation Index. Cause-specific rates of death were investigated for a linear trend across ED quintiles. The relative risk of death (most vs least deprived) from specific causes was calculated. Using rates for the least deprived quintile as the reference, deaths from each cause 'attributable' to social inequality were calculated. RESULTS: Positive linear trends in perinatal deaths were noted with increasing deprivation for each specific cause of death except those classified as 'other causes' (Wigglesworth Class E). Relative risk (most vs least deprived) of perinatal death with a congenital anomaly was 1.98 (confidence interval, CI: 1.36,2.89). For deaths related to antepartum events, intrapartum events and immaturity the risks were 1.81 (CI: 1.39,2.38), 1.48 (CI: 1.10,1.98) and 1.92 (CI 1.45,2.56), respectively. Forty-three (35.7%) perinatal deaths per year were due to congenital anomalies, 63 (29.7%) antepartum events, 36 (21.9%) intrapartum events and 61 (32.7%) immaturity and these were statistically 'attributable' to social inequality. Cause-specific perinatal death rates for babies < 2500 g showed no correlation with deprivation; however, for babies > or = 2500 g the association with deprivation persisted. CONCLUSIONS: All cause-specific rates except those due to 'other causes' showed a positive linear trend with increasing deprivation. These trends were found for infants born > or = 2500 g but were not seen for low birthweight infants (< 2500 g). Almost 30% of deaths were statistically 'attributable' to social inequality. The results of this study suggest that material deprivation plays an important role in the causal pathway leading to perinatal death and needs to be addressed in preventive programmes aimed at the reduction of perinatal deaths.     

Is perinatal mortality still a good indicator of perinatal care?

The increasing influence of very immature infants on perinatal mortality rates (PMR) led us to question the usefulness of this parameter in assessing perinatal care. To examine this further we have compared the incidence of perinatal asphyxia amongst mature babies (greater than or equal to 35 weeks gestation) for two geographically-defined populations of over 500,000 people. Both areas have a teaching hospital-based maternity service and comparable perinatal mortality rates. The incidence of severe post-asphyxial encephalopathy showed a marked excess in one population (1.93 vs 0.61 per 1000 births), which was not obviously explicable. Taken in conjunction with the figures for stillbirth in labour, this represented a 2.8 times greater risk for either fetal death in labour or severe asphyxial insult. It would appear that perinatal mortality rates do not accurately reflect important differences in those perinatal outcomes most likely to be affected by perinatal care.