Material and human resources for neonatal resuscitation in public maternity hospitals in Brazilian state capitals.
OBJECTIVE
In 2002, the early neonatal mortality rate in Brazil was 12.42 per thousand live births. Perinatal asphyxia was the greatest cause of neonatal death (about 23%). This study aimed to evaluate the availability of the resources required for neonatal resuscitation in delivery rooms of public hospitals in Brazilian state capitals.


METHODS
Multicenter cross-sectional study involving 36 hospitals in 20 Brazilian state capitals in June 2003.


METHODS
Each Brazilian region was represented by 1-4% of its live births. A local coordinator collected data regarding physical infrastructure, supplies and professionals available for neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room. The information was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 10.


RESULTS
Among the 36 hospitals, 89% were referral centers for high-risk pregnancies. Each institution had a monthly mean of 365 live births (3% < 1,500 g and 15% < 2,500 g). The 36 hospitals had 125 resuscitation tables (3-4 per hospital), all with overhead radiant heat, oxygen and vacuum sources. Appropriate equipment for pulmonary ventilation was available for more than 90% of the 125 resuscitation tables. On average, one pediatrician, three nurses and five nursing assistants per shift worked in the delivery rooms of each institution. Out of the 874 pediatricians and 1,037 nursing personnel that worked in the delivery rooms of the 36 hospitals, 94% and 22%, respectively, were trained in neonatal resuscitation.


CONCLUSIONS
The main public maternity hospitals in Brazilian state capitals have the resources to resuscitate neonates at birth.
Branco de Almeida
Maria Fernanda
MF
Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, São Paulo, Brazil.
Guinsburg
Ruth
R
Orleans da Costa
José
J
Anchieta
Lêni Márcia
LM
Silveira Freire
Lincoln Marcelo
LM
D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001724:Birth Weight; D001938:Brazil; D002947:Cities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003696:Delivery Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D050498:Live Birth; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018743:Perinatal Care; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000193:education / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce