[Quality evaluation of neonatal transports].

BACKGROUND

Neonatal transports carry risk of complications and technical mishaps which may cause deterioration of the patient's condition.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Prospective observational study on all transports from the subregional neonatal unit, Vestfold Hospital, Norway to other hospitals during the 23-year period 1982-2004.

RESULTS

396 transports were undertaken with a total of 359 patients, 0.7% of live born infants (n = 49,250). Indications were prematurity/respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in 84 (21%), congenital malformations in 188 (47%), and other conditions in 124 (31%). After the establishment a local respirator programme 1989, transports for prematurity/RDS declined significantly from the 7-year period 1982 - 88 to the 16-year period 1989-2004 (3.4 vs. 1.0 per 1000 live born infants ;p < 0.0001). Night-time transports declined by 55 %. Technical mishaps occurred in 4% of the transports. No deaths occurred during transport; however, 10 infants (2.8%) died within 24 hours on arrival.

INTERPRETATION: Neonatal transports were associated with risk of deterioration. High local competence and up-to-date technical equipment for neonatal intensive care improve the quality of transport, reduce the incidence of transports of premature infants with RDS, and of transports during night-time.