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A retrospective comparison of VLBW outcomes before and after implementing new delivery room guidelines at a regional tertiary care center

Journal of Perinatology volume 36, pages 182–185 (2016)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of implemented protocol changes on delivery room interventions and very low birth weight (VLBW) health outcomes.

Study Design:

Retrospective study comparing birth characteristics, interventions and health outcomes of VLBW infants born in a tertiary care center before (calendar years 2008 to 2009) and after (calendar years 2012 to 2013) implementing new protocols using Chi-square analyses.

Result:

Four hundred and nine were born before and 303 after changes were implemented. Postimplementation infants had more use of antenatal steroids (P=0.02), gestational age ⩽24 weeks (P=0.03) and birth weights between 501 and 750 g (P=0.04) and less oxygen administration (P=0.002), face mask ventilation (P=0.0001), surfactant use (P=0.0001), chest compressions (P=0.0001), intubation (P=0.002), epinephrine use (P=0.011), hypothermia (P=0.0001) and discharges home on supplemental oxygen (P=0.05).

Conclusion:

Changes creating a new delivery team, adopting new delivery practice guidelines and updating delivery room equipment resulted in positive outcomes for delivery room practices and patient outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal-Perinatal Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    A Wlodaver, M Blunt, K Satnes, M Escobedo & E Szyld

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Sections of Genetics and Neonatology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    G Hallford

Authors
  1. A Wlodaver
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  2. M Blunt
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  3. K Satnes
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  4. M Escobedo
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  5. G Hallford
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  6. E Szyld
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Correspondence to A Wlodaver.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Wlodaver, A., Blunt, M., Satnes, K. et al. A retrospective comparison of VLBW outcomes before and after implementing new delivery room guidelines at a regional tertiary care center. J Perinatol 36, 182–185 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.187

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.187

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