Irish medical journal
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Audit of severe maternal morbidity is a potent tool in determining standards of maternity care. This study determines the incidence of severe acute maternal morbidity in our population, identifies the underlying organ dysfunction and associated obstetric risk factors, and compares them to published international reports. Over a 5 year period, 1999-2003, data were collected prospectively from patients with severe acute maternal morbidity. ⋯ This study identifies the feasibility of audit of severe maternal morbidity using simple defined clinical criteria. The incidence and underlying aetiology of severe maternal morbidity in our unit is comparable to other developed countries. It is essential that data on severe maternal morbidity are reviewed and analysed continuously at local hospital and national level to assess, maintain and improve clinical standards.
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Irish medical journal · May 2008
Neonatal resuscitation program guidelines 2006: ready, steady, can't go!
New evidence-based guidelines have been launched with recommendations that may impact how resuscitations, particularly of LBW infants, are enacted. ⋯ NRP is now an obligatory feature in all NICU's in Ireland compared to the 1990s when resuscitation training was disorganized and inconsistent. Variations in resuscitation practices still exist among different units. Many units may not be able to apply 2006 NRP guidelines especially for VLBW infants unless there is a significant investment in air/oxygen blenders, pulse oximeters, CO2 detectors and resuscitators that control peak pressures and CPAP/PEEP.