Abstract
IntroductionNeonatal transport involves moving sick neonates in optimal conditions to ensure good outcomes. It is well organized in most developed countries but receives little attention in developing countries where the highest burden of neonatal mortality exists and a large number of newborns require referrals daily for better medical care. This study sought to evaluate the modes of transport, pre- and intra-transport care of neonates referred to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsThe methods of transporting 401 neonates presenting to the children’s emergency room of the hospital were evaluated as well as the care the babies received during transport. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi square test while continuous variables were compared by the student t-test.ResultsAbout a third presented in the first 12hours and 85% in the first week of life, all from within 80km radius. There were 67.1% term, 31.4% preterm and 1.5% post-term neonates, all without prior communication. The modes of transport included private vehicles (43.9%), commercial vehicles (40.6%), motorcycles (9.0%), ambulance (4.0%) and on foot (2.5%). Only 3 (0.7%) were transported in incubators and none in KMC position. Only 42.0% had referral letters and 7.0% were accompanied by medical personnel. Materials available during transport included Ambubags (3.7%), oxygen (3.5%) and some drugs (3.5%). Events during transport were apnoea, 4.7%, vomiting 1.0%, reduced activity 16.2% and seizures 13.7%. 19 (4.7%) neonates were dead on arrival. Pre-transport care included resuscitation (18.2%), intravenous fluid/feeding (24.4%) and supplemental oxygen (14.0%).ConclusionNeonatal transport practices in Ibadan, Nigeria are abysmal with associated high mortality.
Highlights
Neonatal transport involves moving sick neonates in optimal conditions to ensure good outcomes
Previous studies have shown for example that, hypothermia, hyperthermia and hypoglycaemia resulting from poor transportation methods and care significantly increase neonatal mortality rate [4,5]
It involved enrolment of consecutive outbornneonates presenting at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan from August 2012 to February 2013
Summary
Neonatal transport involves moving sick neonates in optimal conditions to ensure good outcomes It is well organized in most developed countries but receives little attention in developing countries where the highest burden of neonatal mortality exists and a large number of newborns require referrals daily for better medical care. The concept of neonatal transport is a well recognised component of neonatal intensive care which is at various levels of development in technologically advanced countries It demands professionalism and planning, and should only be undertaken in close cooperation with the unit receiving the infant [2]. The principle of neonatal transport includes; adequate preparation and stabilisation of the baby to be referred, communication with the receiving facility, and provision of standard care similar to that obtained in a neonatal intensive care unit during transfer. Previous studies have shown for example that, hypothermia, hyperthermia and hypoglycaemia resulting from poor transportation methods and care significantly increase neonatal mortality rate [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
