Practices for predicting and preventing preterm birth in Ireland: a national survey.
BACKGROUND
Preterm birth can result in adverse outcomes for the neonate and/or his/her family. The accurate prediction and prevention of preterm birth is paramount. This study describes and critically analyses practices for predicting and preventing preterm birth in Ireland.


METHODS
A questionnaire seeking information on practices for predicting and preventing preterm birth was mailed to all consultant obstetricians practising in Ireland in February 2006.


RESULTS
For predicting preterm birth, 97% of respondents did not use foetal fibronectin testing, 71% carried out routine second and third trimester cervical assessments and 75% routinely screened for genital tract infection. For preventing preterm birth, 62% prescribed bed rest, 24% prescribed antibiotics, 14% routinely inserted a cervical cerclage in women with a history of mid-trimester miscarriage and 61% routinely used tocolytics.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this survey, for the most part, reflect the empirical evidence base, international practices and best practice recommendations.
Smith
V
V
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. vasmith@tcd.ie
Devane
D
D
Higgins
S
S
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001510:Bed Rest; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D009774:Obstetrics; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015149:Tocolytic Agents