Tracey L Lutz1,2, Elizabeth J Elliott3,4, Heather E Jeffery1,2. 1. Department of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 2. The Department of Newborn Care, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. 3. The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, Australia. 4. Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The incidence of sudden unexpected early neonatal death (SUEND) or acute life-threatening events (ALTEs) is reported as 0.05/1,000 to 0.38/1,000 live births. There is currently no national system in Australia for reporting and investigating such cases. METHODS: A 3-y prospective, national surveillance study, run in collaboration with the Australian Pediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU). Data were provided by pediatricians reporting to APSU; and independently ascertained by the Coroner in two states (NSW and QLD) and the Newborn Early Transport Network in NSW. A detailed deidentified questionnaire was created. RESULTS: In NSW and QLD, the incidence was 0.1 and 0.08/1,000 live births, respectively. Forty-eight definitive cases were identified. Common causes included accidental asphyxia, cardiac disease, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and sudden infant death syndrome. Twenty-six babies collapsed on day 1 and 19 were found on the carer's chest. CONCLUSION: The incidence in NSW and QLD is higher than previously published. The first postnatal day is a vulnerable period for newborns, who require close observation particularly during skin-to-skin contact. Development and implementation of guidelines for safe sleeping in hospital are needed. Collaboration between obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians is essential to ensure safety of the newborn.
BACKGROUND: The incidence of sudden unexpected early neonatal death (SUEND) or acute life-threatening events (ALTEs) is reported as 0.05/1,000 to 0.38/1,000 live births. There is currently no national system in Australia for reporting and investigating such cases. METHODS: A 3-y prospective, national surveillance study, run in collaboration with the Australian Pediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU). Data were provided by pediatricians reporting to APSU; and independently ascertained by the Coroner in two states (NSW and QLD) and the Newborn Early Transport Network in NSW. A detailed deidentified questionnaire was created. RESULTS: In NSW and QLD, the incidence was 0.1 and 0.08/1,000 live births, respectively. Forty-eight definitive cases were identified. Common causes included accidental asphyxia, cardiac disease, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and sudden infant death syndrome. Twenty-six babies collapsed on day 1 and 19 were found on the carer's chest. CONCLUSION: The incidence in NSW and QLD is higher than previously published. The first postnatal day is a vulnerable period for newborns, who require close observation particularly during skin-to-skin contact. Development and implementation of guidelines for safe sleeping in hospital are needed. Collaboration between obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians is essential to ensure safety of the newborn.
Authors: J Rodríguez-Alarcón; J C Melchor; A Linares; G Aranguren; M Quintanilla; L Fernández-Llebrez; A de la Gándara; J Rodríguez-Soriano Journal: Acta Paediatr Date: 1994-07 Impact factor: 2.299
Authors: Jesús Rodríguez-López; Javier De la Cruz Bértolo; Nadia Raquela García-Lara; Izaskun Asla Elorriaga; Lourdes Román Echevarría; Máximo Vento; Anna Parra-Llorca; Fernando Cabañas; Pedro Lozano; Óscar García-Algar; Ana Martín-Ancel; Cristina Copons Fernández; Ersilia González Carrasco; Iciar Olabarrieta Arnal; Adelina Pellicer; Natalia Marín Huarte; Carmen Rosa Pallás-Alonso Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-05-31 Impact factor: 3.569