title: Comparison of outcomes of perinatal care in Slovakia and the UK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether there are differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes between Slovakia and the UK, and whether any observed variations can be attributed to differences in perinatal care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on outcomes of perinatal care in Slovakia and the UK between 2006 and 2010 were compared. Perinatal mortality figures included stillbirths weighing 1000g or more and early neonatal deaths.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Slovakia, the perinatal mortality rate was significantly higher than that in the UK (RR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.18). Cesarean delivery was significantly more frequent in Slovakia (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.05-1.06); instrumental vaginal delivery was less frequent (ventouse delivery, RR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.19-0.21; forceps delivery, RR 0.09; 95% CI, 0.09-0.10). Episiotomy and peripartum hysterectomy were performed more often in Slovakia (episiotomy, RR 4.10; 95% CI, 4.07-4.12; peripartum hysterectomy, RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.65-2.47). The incidence of eclampsia was significantly higher in Slovakia (RR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.26-2.04). There were no significant differences in the rates of maternal death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perinatal care outcomes and intervention rates differ between Slovakia and UK. This may be explained by differences in outcome definitions, perinatal care, and official encouragement of medical complaints.
authors: First Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia. Electronic address: a.kristufkova@gmail.com.
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Kristufkova
authors: Miroslav
authors: M
authors: Korbel
authors: Miroslav
authors: M
authors: Borovsky
authors: Marian
authors: M
authors: Knight
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D054238:Perinatal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018154:Slovakia; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Maternal morbidity; Maternal mortality; Mode of delivery; Perinatal care; Perinatal morality rate