940 Does International Collaboration Improve Neonatal Survival?

Abstract

Aim: Neonatal care was not well established or resourced in Romania in 1999. Through Medical Support in Romania (MSR), close links have been forged between clinicians from UK and Romania with frequents visits, sharing of guidelines and training on the use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). Our aim was to see, if this collaboration has had a measurable impact on neonatal survival rates. Method: We retrospectively collected data from District General Hospital (DGH) Z, between 1999- 2009, especially looking at admission, survival rate and cause of neonatal death in different birth weight groups: above 2500g(A), 2000-2500g(B), 1500- 2000g(C), 1000-1500g(D) and less than 1000g(E). Results: In group A there has been no change in survival. There have been an increase in the number of admissions and survival of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants in groups D and E. Respiratory problems are one of the main causes of death in DGH Z. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a changing pattern of admission to the neonatal unit with better survival following the introduction of treatments such as CPAP with established links between institutions. The introduction of standardised protocols and staff training has made a difference. Further improvements in survival could be achieved by introducing formalised Neonatal Life Support resuscitation courses for all staff, medical and nursing, involved in neonatal care.