Am J Perinatol 1992; 9(2): 75-79
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994675
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1992 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Long Distance Perinatal Transport

Bradley A. Yoder
  • Bradley A. Yoder, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, 13th Air Force Medical Center, Clark Air Base, Philippines, and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Mortality, incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and complications were evaluated in a perinatal transport system involving patient movement over distances from 1500 to 3700 km over a 3-year period. Of 179 transports, 60% involved neonatal transport, and 58% of the transports involved infants delivering at 32 weeks' gestation or less. Mortality rates were similar between inborn, maternal, and neonatal transports with a trend toward improved survival in all inborn infants 1000 gm or less at birth. IVH occurred in 32% of infants 32 weeks or less gestation; a higher incidence of grades III/IV bleeding were seen in transported infants between 1001 and 2000 gm compared with maternal transports and all inborn infants. Complications occurred in 20% of transports. The frequency of complications were significantly lower when transport was accomplished by the Level III team. In utero transport of selected high-risk pregnancies is preferred despite the ability to provide safe, effective transport of ill neonates over extremely long distances.