Abstract:

Objective: In this study the referral reasons and transport conditions of newborns referred to our neonatology unit were investigated. 59.9% of babies were term and 40.1% of babies were preterm. Material and Method: While 47.1% of term and 70.3% of preterm babies were transported by ambulances;52.9% of term and 29.7% preterm babies were transported by cars. Results: The respiratory distress syndrome was determined as the most common referral diagnosis in term (29.2%) and preterm (48%) babies. In 45.7% of the cases a doctor and in 54.3% of the cases a nurse or other medical personnel escorted the baby during transport by ambulance. Prior to transport no information had been given to our hospital for 55.3% of the cases and 39.0% of the cases had no referral letter. 77.2% of the cases was referred without parenteral fluid support and oxygen was not administred to 48.2% of the cases during transport. Only 36.2% of preterm babies was transported in an incubator. Hypothermia was found in 25.4%, hypoglycemia in 31.2% and hypoxia in 33.8% of the cases. 3.8% of term and 9.2% of preterm babies died within 24 hours after theiradmission to our hospital. Conclusion: These results show that stabilization of the newborn before and during transport, communication between community hospital and our neonatology unit prior to transport, personnel training and equipment of the transport vehicle were not adequate.

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