Retrospective cohort study of all deaths among infants born between 22 and 27 completed weeks of gestation in Switzerland over a 3-year period

Berger, T M
Steurer, M A
Bucher, H U
Fauchère, J C
Adams, M
Pfister, R E
Baumann-Hölzle, R
Bassler, D
Swiss Neonatal End-of-Life Study Group

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Publication date

June 2017

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015179

Publisher

BMJ

ISSN

2044-6055

Citation count (estimate)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research is to assess causes and circumstances of deaths in extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) born in Switzerland over a 3-year period. DESIGN: Population-based, retrospective cohort study. SETTING: All nine level III perinatal centres (neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and affiliated obstetrical services) in Switzerland. PATIENTS: ELGANs with a gestational age (GA) <28 weeks who died between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2015. RESULTS: A total of 594 deaths were recorded with 280 (47%) stillbirths and 314 (53%) deaths after live birth. Of the latter, 185 (59%) occurred in the delivery room and 129 (41%) following admission to an NICU. Most liveborn infants dying in the delivery room had a GA ≤24 ...