Neonatal outcome in the United Arab Emirates: the effect of changes in resources and practices

Selective improvements in neonatal care resources and practices were instituted between 1992/1994 [period 1] and 1995/1998 [period 2] following a neonatal audit in the United Arab Emirates. We evaluated the effect of these changes on neonatal mortality rate [NNMR], birth-weight-specific mortality rates and causes of mortality. Overall there was a 17% decline in the NNMR from periods 1 to 2. Mortality rates in infants with birth weight < 1000 g and > 2500 g decreased by 36% and 35% respectively from periods 1 to 2. Modest declines in deaths from asphyxia, sepsis and complications of preterm births occurred from periods 1 to 2 but the differences were not statistically significant

Neonatal audit in the United Arab Emirates: a country with a rapidly developing economy

We aimed to determine whether birth-weight-specific mortality rates and causes of neonatal death could identify interventions needed to reduce neonatal mortality rates. Data were collected from three hospitals responsible for 99% of births in Al-Ain Medical District. There were 8083 live births weighing > / = 500 g, of which 54 [0.67%] died. The mortality rate among very low-birth-weight infants was higher in this district than from centres with more advanced neonatal technology and resources. Problems of preterm births, lethal malformations and asphyxia accounted for 95% of deaths and half of the malformations were autosomal recessive syndromes. Improved management of lower-birth-weight infants, asphyxia and genetic counselling could lead to a further decline in neonatal mortality rates