Babies born before arrival at hospital

Article Abstract:

Although fewer babies are now born at home in England and Wales than in the 1970s, infant mortality associated with home birth has climbed (from 18.6 deaths per 1,000 births in 1975 to 21.7 deaths per 1,000 births in 1985). Mortality associated with home birth is considerably higher (67.5 deaths per 1,000 births) when plans have been made for hospital delivery, and highest of all (196.6 deaths per 1,000 births) when no plans for home or hospital delivery have been made. To learn more concerning mortality and complications in 137 babies born before arrival (BBA) at one of two hospitals (of 31,140 babies), birth records for a 5-year period were reviewed. Each BBA infant was compared with two controls; the next baby born in the same hospital (random control), and the next baby born in the hospital with the same weight and gestational age as the BBA baby (matched control). Of interest were demographic variables pertaining to the mother, mode of transport to the hospital, and health status of the newborn. Results showed that mothers who delivered before arrival at the hospital were more likely than controls to be older, have more children, be Asian, to have made no plans for delivery, and to live farther from the hospital. Three-fourths of these unplanned deliveries took place at the mother's home; another 18 percent, in an ambulance or car; and 7 percent on hospital grounds, parking lot, or public toilet (1 birth). BBA infants' birthweights were lower than weights of infants in the random control group (3,008 grams versus 3,220 grams or about 6.5 versus 7 pounds), and a larger proportion were premature (born before 37 weeks' gestation). In addition, a larger proportion (31 percent) of BBA babies were hypothermic (had a temperature of 35 degrees Centigrade or lower; 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower), compared with control group babies (2 percent); more of the BBA infants than controls were admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Mortality among BBA infants was higher (58.4 deaths per 1,000 births) than among controls (10.1 deaths per 1,000 births); however, mortality was similar for BBA babies and those in the matched control group, indicating that the birth outcome was a function of prematurity and low birthweight rather than out-of-hospital birth itself. The mothers, generally, fell into two categories: Asian women with many other children, who may not have had access to a car; and younger European women who may have wanted to conceal their pregnancies. The results indicate that the health care needs of both groups had not been met by the health care system. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Statistics, Childbirth, Delivery (Childbirth)

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Accidents on hospital wards

Article Abstract:

Accidents are responsible for 700 deaths and over one million emergency admissions among children each year. There is limited information about accidents happening to hospitalized children. Children's wards are becoming more relaxed and parents are being encouraged to become involved in various aspects of their child's recovery. However, the danger of accidents may grow as children of different age groups increasingly encounter some of the heavy equipment present on the wards. Information about accidents in hospitals is collected mainly for medical and legal reasons but is infrequently used to prevent accidents. The factors that increase the risk of accidents among hospitalized children were assessed, and measures were proposed to reduce the incidence and severity of such accidents. There were 781 accidents among patients and visitors reported by eight hospitals over an 18-month period. Accidents tended to occur more often among boys than girls, and among three- to five-year-old children. The most common types of accidents were falls from high places, slips, and striking accidents during the day and falls during the night. Accidents occurred in the presence of parents in 41 percent of cases, and involved beds and cots in 27 percent of cases. Three accidents were serious, whereas one accident involving a bed or cot led to major injury. Measures to prevent accidents may be directed at avoiding falls from beds and cots and using temporary equipment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Injuries, Prevention, Causes of, Accidents, Hospital patients, Children's accidents

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ISPEMA dies, SEA born

Article Abstract:

The Safety Equipment Association (SEA) has been formed following the winding-up of two associations. They are the Safety Equipment Distributors Association and the Industrial Safety Protective Equipment Manufacturers' Association. The SEA aims to help members exhibit abroad, and will set up a database to help with expansion in the European market.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Associations, Safety equipment and supplies industry, Safety equipment industry, Safety Equipment Distributors Association

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