Neonatal mortality amongst Scottish preterm singleton births (2001-2010): record linkage of maternity data and neonatal mortality data

Abstract

Objectives: To provide a contemporary estimate of singleton neonatal mortality based on birthweight and gestational age at delivery from 2001 to 2010, and to compare this with a similar data set from 1985 to 1994.

Study design: Record linkage of maternity data and neonatal mortality data.

Population: All singleton preterm deliveries from 24 to 36 weeks inclusive between 2001 and 2010.

Setting: Scotland, UK.

Methods: NHS National Services Scotland uses a standardized maternity discharge record to collect details of maternities in Scotland. These delivery records were linked to the infant death files from the National Records of Scotland.

Main outcome measure: Neonatal death.

Results: Between 2001 and 2010 there were 525,997 liveborn singleton deliveries of which 31,280 were preterm (5.95%). In this preterm group the neonatal mortality rate was 18.2/1000, a significant reduction from 41.3/1000 in 1985-1994 (P < 0.001). The neonatal mortality rate fell with advancing gestation from 451/1000 at 24 weeks to 2.74/1000 at 36 weeks.

Conclusions: This is the largest recent study to use both birthweight and gestational age at delivery to consider neonatal mortality. These data will aid the management and prognostic guidance of preterm delivery.

Keywords: Birthweight; Gestational age; Neonatal mortality; Preterm delivery.