Intrapartum death of nonmalformed fetuses in Denmark and Sweden in 1991. A perinatal audit.
BACKGROUND
In 1991 the rate of intrapartum death of non-malformed fetuses was higher in Denmark than in Sweden (4.2 vs. 1.9 per 10,000, OR 2.24). However, it is not clear whether this difference reflects potentially avoidable cases and/or suboptimal care.


METHODS
Short descriptions were made from medical records of all 50 intrapartum deaths in Denmark and Sweden in 1991. Ten obstetricians, two from each of the Nordic countries, reviewed the cases to determine whether (1) intra-uterine death might have occurred before admission, (2) surveillance and intervention were insufficient, (3) fetal death was potentially avoidable by improved obstetric care; and, if so, to suggest ways of improved health care.


RESULTS
There was a statistically higher rate of insufficient care (surveillance and intervention) (high or less degree) in the Danish cases (66% vs. 55%). The proportion of potentially avoidable fetal deaths was also higher in Denmark (59% vs. 52%) although the difference was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The significantly higher rate of intrapartum death of non-malformed infants in 1991 in Denmark compared to Sweden might be reduced by improved intrapartum surveillance and interventions.
Westergaard
H B
HB
Hillerød Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Sweden.
Langhoff-Roos
J
J
Larsen
S
S
Borch-Christensen
H
H
Lindmark
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002423:Cause of Death; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017533:Marital Status; D008423:Maternal Age; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000401:mortality; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology