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Comparison of outcomes of perinatal care in Slovakia and the UK
Author(s) -
Kristufkova Alexandra,
Korbel Miroslav,
Borovsky Miroslav,
Knight Marian
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.05.021
Subject(s) - medicine , episiotomy , obstetrics , incidence (geometry) , vaginal delivery , perinatal mortality , pregnancy , forceps , childbirth , forceps delivery , relative risk , gynecology , fetus , confidence interval , surgery , genetics , physics , optics , biology
Objective To investigate whether there are differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes between Slovakia and the UK, and whether any observed variations can be attributed to differences in perinatal care. Methods Data on outcomes of perinatal care in Slovakia and the UK between 2006 and 2010 were compared. Perinatal mortality figures included stillbirths weighing 1000 g or more and early neonatal deaths. Results In Slovakia, the perinatal mortality rate was significantly higher than that in the UK (RR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06–1.18). Cesarean delivery was significantly more frequent in Slovakia (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.05–1.06); instrumental vaginal delivery was less frequent (ventouse delivery, RR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.19–0.21; forceps delivery, RR 0.09; 95% CI, 0.09–0.10). Episiotomy and peripartum hysterectomy were performed more often in Slovakia (episiotomy, RR 4.10; 95% CI, 4.07–4.12; peripartum hysterectomy, RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.65–2.47). The incidence of eclampsia was significantly higher in Slovakia (RR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.26–2.04). There were no significant differences in the rates of maternal death. Conclusion Perinatal care outcomes and intervention rates differ between Slovakia and UK. This may be explained by differences in outcome definitions, perinatal care, and official encouragement of medical complaints.