Outcomes of newborns admitted in the intensive care unit at a public hospital

Background: We evaluated the outcome of newborns admitted in the neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Diadema, Brazil. Methods: We evaluated 72 newborns, data were extracted from research forms, newborns` hospital records, mothers interviews, domiciliary inquiry made with the responsible for the newborn care, and paediatric accompaniment cards. Results: 48.93% presented low birth weight, 48% were considered to have normal birth weight and 2% had a birth weight higher than 4000g. Concerning gestational age, 57.44% were younger than 37 weeks old. During hospitalisation, newborn had appointments with doctors from other specialties (inter-appointments), around 40% were cardiologists. After hospital discharge 82.98% were referred to local primary health care units, and the main specialities were cardiology and neurology. Among the newborns evaluated 85.11% were accompanied by paediatric health care units. Conclusion: The implementation of a specialised newborn health accompaniment program in Brazil after ICU discharge is important for positive outcomes regarding newborns growth and development.

Recent Trends in Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Brazil: Progress Toward Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5

We analyzed Brazil`s efforts in reducing child mortality, improving maternal and child health, and reducing socioeconomic and regional inequalities from 1990 through 2007. We compiled and reanalyzed data from several sources, including vital statistics and population-based surveys. We also explored the roles of broad socioeconomic and demographic changes and the introduction of health sector and other reform measures in explaining the improvements observed. Our findings provide compelling evidence that pro-active measures to reduce health disparities accompanied by socioeconomic progress can result in measurable improvements in the health of children and mothers in a relatively short interval. Our analysis of Brazil`s successes and remaining challenges to reach and surpass Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 can provide important lessons for other low- and middle-income countries. (Am J Public Health. 2010;100:1877-1889. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.196816)