[Evolution of the mortality rate of newborn infants transferred to a Parisian intensive care service from 1969 to 1978]. / Evolution du taux de mortalité chez les nouveau-nés transférés dans un service parisien de soins intensifs de 1969 à 1978.

This study reports on the trend in neonatal death rates in a Paris intensive care unit between 1969 and 1978. Three time-periods were compared: 1969-1971, 1972-1974, and 1975-1978. These limits were chosen to take into account the introduction of continuous airway positive pressure in the unit in 1972, and the gradual implementation, from 1972 onwards, of a new perinatal care policy in France. The mortality rate was significantly lower in the second period than in the first, after adjustment on birthweight and type of disease. This trend varied according to type of disease: the death decreased significantly in case of membrane disease or foetal distress, but not in case of admission for amniotic inhalation or congenital anomalies. The gradual improvement in newborn's condition on arrival in the unit played a part in the improvement in survival, as well as the use of the continuous airway positive pressure.