Seasonal variation in child mortality in rural Guinea-Bissau.

OBJECTIVES: In many African countries, child mortality is higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. We investigated the effect of season on child mortality by time periods, sex and age in rural Guinea-Bissau. METHODS: Bandim health project follows children under-five in a health and demographic surveillance system in rural Guinea-Bissau. We compared the mortality in the rainy season (June to November) between 1990 and 2013 with the mortality in the dry season (December to May) in Cox proportional hazards models providing rainy vs. dry season mortality rate ratios (r/d-mrr). Seasonal effects were estimated in strata defined by time periods with different frequency of vaccination campaigns, sex and age (<1 month, 1-11 months, 12-59 months). Verbal autopsies were interpreted using InterVa-4 software. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2013, overall mortality was declined by almost two-thirds among 81 292 children (10 588 deaths). Mortality was 51% (95% ci: 45-58%) higher in the rainy season than in the dry season throughout the study period. The seasonal difference increased significantly with age, the r/d-mrr being 0.94 (0.86-1.03) among neonates, 1.57 (1.46-1.69) in post-neonatal infants and 1.83 (1.72-1.95) in under-five children (P for same effect <0.001). According to the InterVa, malaria deaths were the main reason for the seasonal mortality difference, causing 50% of all deaths in the rainy season, but only if the InterVa included season of death, making the argument self-confirmatory. CONCLUSION: The mortality declined throughout the study, yet rainy season continued to be associated with 51% higher overall mortality.

Decreasing child mortality, spatial clustering and decreasing disparity in North-Western Burkina Faso.

Within relatively small areas, there exist high spatial variations of mortality between villages. In rural Burkina Faso, with data from 1993 to 1998, clusters of particularly high child mortality were identified in the population of the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), a member of the INDEPTH Network. In this paper, we report child mortality with respect to temporal trends, spatial clustering and disparity in this HDSS from 1993 to 2012. Poisson regression was used to describe village-specific child mortality rates and time trends in mortality. The spatial scan statistic was used to identify villages or village clusters with higher child mortality. Clustering of mortality in the area is still present, but not as strong as before. The disparity of child mortality between villages has decreased. The decrease occurred in the context of an overall halving of child mortality in the rural area of Nouna HDSS between 1993 and 2012. Extrapolated to the Millennium Development Goals target period 1990-2015, this yields an estimated reduction of 54%, which is not too far off the aim of a two-thirds reduction.

Independent and combined effects of maternal smoking and solid fuel on infant and child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the independent and combined risks of infant and child mortality associated with maternal smoking and use of solid fuel in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Pooled weighted data on 143 602 under-five children in the most recent demographic and health surveys for 15 sub-Saharan African countries were analysed. The synthetic cohort life table technique and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to investigate the effect of maternal smoking and solid cooking fuel on infant (age 0-11 months) and child (age 12-59 months) mortality. Socio-economic and other confounding variables were included as controls. RESULTS: The distribution of the main explanatory variable in households was as follows: smoking + solid fuel - 4.6%; smoking + non-solid fuel - 0.22%; no smoking + solid fuel - 86.9%; and no smoking + non-solid fuel - 8.2%. The highest infant mortality rate was recorded among children exposed to maternal smoking + solid fuel (72 per 1000 live births); the child mortality rate was estimated to be 54 per 1000 for this group. In full multivariate models, the risk of infant death was 71% higher among those exposed to maternal smoking + solid fuel (HR = 1.71, CI: 1.29-2.28). For ages 12 to 59 months, the risk of death was 99% higher (HR = 1.99, CI: 1.28-3.08). CONCLUSIONS: Combined exposures to cigarette smoke and solid fuel increase the risks of infant and child mortality. Mothers of under-five children need to be educated about the danger of smoking while innovative approaches are needed to reduce the mortality risks associated with solid cooking fuel.

Linking mortuary data improves vital statistics on cause of death of children under five years in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: Reducing child mortality requires good information on its causes. Whilst South African vital registration data have improved, the quality of cause-of-death data remains inadequate. To improve this, data from death certificates were linked with information from forensic mortuaries in Western Cape Province. METHODS: A local mortality surveillance system was established in 2007 by the Western Cape Health Department to improve data quality. Cause-of-death data were captured from copies of death notification forms collected at Department of Home Affairs Offices. Using unique identifiers, additional forensic mortuary data were linked with mortality surveillance system records. Causes of death were coded to the ICD-10 classification. Causes of death in children under five were compared with those from vital registration data for 2011. RESULTS: Cause-of-death data were markedly improved with additional data from forensic mortuaries. The proportion of ill-defined causes was halved (25-12%), and leading cause rankings changed. Lower respiratory tract infections moved above prematurity to rank first, accounting for 20.8% of deaths and peaking in infants aged 1-3 months. Only 11% of deaths from lower respiratory tract infections occurred in hospital, resulting in 86% being certified in forensic mortuaries. Road traffic deaths increased from 1.1-3.1% (27-75) and homicides from 3 to 28. CONCLUSIONS: The quality and usefulness of cause-of-death information for children in the WC was enhanced by linking mortuary and vital registration data. Given the death profile, interventions are required to prevent and manage LRTI, diarrhoea and injuries and to reduce neonatal deaths.

Health policy for sickle cell disease in Africa: experience from Tanzania on interventions to reduce under-five mortality.

Tanzania has made considerable progress towards reducing childhood mortality, achieving a 57% decrease between 1980 and 2011. This epidemiological transition will cause a reduction in the contribution of infectious diseases to childhood mortality and increase in contribution from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Haemoglobinopathies are amongst the most common childhood NCDs, with sickle cell disease (SCD) being the commonest haemoglobinopathy in Africa. In Tanzania, 10,313 children with SCD under 5 years of age (U5) are estimated to die every year, contributing an estimated 7% of overall deaths in U5 children. Key policies that governments in Africa are able to implement would reduce mortality in SCD, focusing on newborn screening and comprehensive SCD care programmes. Such programmes would ensure that interventions such as prevention of infections using penicillin plus prompt diagnosis and treatment of complications are provided to all individuals with SCD.

Spatial analysis of under-5 mortality and potential risk factors in the Basse Health and Demographic Surveillance System, the Gambia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the spatial pattern in under-5 mortality rates in the Basse Health and Demographic Surveillance System (BHDSS) and to test for associations between under-5 deaths and biodemographic and socio-economic risk factors. METHODS: Using data on child survival from 2007 to 2011 in the BHDSS, we mapped under-5 mortality by km(2) . We tested for spatial clustering of high or low death rates using Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic. Associations between child death and a variety of biodemographic and socio-economic factors were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models, and deviance residuals from the best-fitting model were tested for spatial clustering. RESULTS: The overall death rate among children under 5 was 0.0195 deaths per child-year. We found two spatial clusters of high death rates and one spatial cluster of low death rates; children in the two high clusters died at a rate of 0.0264 and 0.0292 deaths per child-year, while in the low cluster, the rate was 0.0144 deaths per child-year. We also found that children born to Fula mothers experienced, on average, a higher hazard of death, whereas children born in the households in the upper two quintiles of asset ownership experienced, on average, a lower hazard of death. After accounting for the spatial distribution of biodemographic and socio-economic characteristics, we found no residual spatial pattern in child mortality risk. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that significant inequality in under-5 death rates can occur within a relatively small area (1100 km(2) ). Risks of under-5 mortality were associated with mother's ethnicity and household wealth. If high mortality clusters persist, then equity concerns may require additional public health efforts in those areas.

II National Congress of Paediatrics: The fight against child mortality.

In the present work, we present an overview of the contents of the communications presented at the Second National Congress of Paediatrics, held in San Sebastian in 1923, on the occasion of the 100th year anniversary. The problem of infant mortality stands out as a common thread, which in those years was very high in Spain and was a concern of politicians, intellectuals and the medical profession. It is worth noting that some of the proposals and concerns of the paediatricians who attended that congress continue to be relevant today.

[Epidemiological difference could explain the higher infant mortality in Chile compared with Cuba]. / Diferencias epidemiológicas podrían explicar la mayor mortalidad infantil de Chile comparada con Cuba.

INTRODUCTION: Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America, while Chile has an infant mortality rate above the average of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. OBJECTIVE: To compare the epidemiology of infant mortality between Chile and Cuba in order to find characteristics that may explain the differences found. METHOD: Comparative analysis between Chile and Cuba of infant mortality rate, causes of mortality, live birth weight, and maternal age, in 2015. RESULTS: Cuba had a lower infant, neonatal, early and late mortality than Chile, with no differences in post-neonatal mortality. Chile had a higher infant mortality due to, alterations of the nervous system, urinary system, chromosomal alterations, respiratory distress syndrome, and disorders related to the short duration of gestation. Chile had a higher frequency of mothers ≥ 35 years old and live births weighing <2,500 g. The possible effects of health inequities could not be analyzed due to lack of data. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to attribute the lower infant mortality rate in Cuba to: selective abortion due to congenital malformations and chromosomal anomalies, lower epidemiological risk of the Cuban pregnant population, and lower frequency of live births with low birth weight.

[Alexandre Frias i Roig: childcare pediatrician, medical doctor and scientific disseminator. Tireless fighter in favor of breastfeeding and childhood]. / Alexandre Frias i Roig: puericultor, médico y divulgador. Luchador incansable en favor de la lactancia materna y de la infancia.

INTRODUCTION: Alexandre Frias was born in Reus, the city where he developed most of his professional activity. Medical doctor and childcare pediatrician, he worked tirelessly in order to improve children's health. He created the first Instituto de Puericultura Integral (Integral Institute of Childcare) in Spain in 1919, which remained in operation until his death. The Institute's activities began with a clinic for breastfeeding children, breastfeeding service and a biochemical analysis laboratory, later expanding with prenatal childcare services, a refectory for pregnant women and general women, a pediatric office with a vaccination service and, as a complement, a home health care service and medical obstetrics. Convinced that breastfeeding and hygiene were fundamental for the prevention of diseases, he carried out an enormous educational work among mothers, doctors, governors and society in general. Forerunner of numerous initiatives for curative and preventive purposes, he established health education for mothers and professionals, school colonies, medical-school inspection, home delivery of scales for weight control and incubators for premature children and even a hygienic dress model for newborns. He made numerous publications as books form, such as the one entitled "Lo que deben saber las madres", booklets and newspapers articles. He founded and directed the scientific journal Puericultura (child care), published in Reus and distributed throughout the country until 1936. Its incessant activity in favor of the fight against infant mortality drastically reduced infant/children mortality in Reus and influenced the health and demographic improvement of all of Spain.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Alexandre Frias nació en Reus, ciudad donde desarrolló la mayor parte de su actividad profesional. Médico y puericultor, trabajó incansablemente con el fin de mejorar la salud infantil. Creó el primer Instituto de Puericultura integral de España en 1919, que se mantuvo en funcionamiento hasta su muerte. Las actividades del instituto se iniciaron con un consultorio para niños lactantes, servicio de lactario y un laboratorio de análisis, y se ampliaron posteriormente con servicios de puericultura prenatal, refectorio para embarazadas y mujeres, un consultorio de pediatría con servicio de vacunación y, como complemento, un servicio de asistencia domiciliaria de comadrona y un médico tocólogo. Convencido de que la lactancia materna y la higiene eran fundamentales para la prevención de enfermedades, realizó una ingente labor educativa entre madres, médicos, gobernantes y sociedad en general. Precursor de numerosas iniciativas con fines curativos y preventivos, instauró la educación sanitaria para madres y profesionales, las colonias escolares, la inspección médica-escolar, el servicio a domicilio de básculas para control de peso e incubadoras para niños prematuros e incluso un modelo de vestido higiénico para recién nacidos. Realizó numerosas publicaciones en forma de libros, como el titulado "Lo que deben saber las madres", opúsculos y artículos de prensa. Fundó y dirigió la revista Puericultura, editada en Reus y distribuida a todo el país, que se publicó hasta 1936. Su incesante actividad en pro de la lucha contra la mortalidad infantil redujo drásticamente las muertes en Reus e influyó en la mejora sanitaria y demográfica de toda España.

Mortalidad infantil en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante el período 2008-2022

Introducción: La tasa de mortalidad infantil es un indicador importante y sensible del bienestar y la calidad de vida de una población, muy usado para medir su estado de salud. Objetivo: Caracterizar la mortalidad infantil según semestres en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante 2008-2022. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptico y transversal sobre la mortalidad infantil en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante los años 2008-2022. Para ello se analizó la relación existente entre los semestres de cada año respecto a los nacimientos, las defunciones y su incidencia en la tasa del país. Resultados: Se observó una disminución de los nacimientos y un incremento de las defunciones en cada quinquenio estudiado respecto al anterior. El número de fallecidos menores de un año fluctuó, con una tendencia al aumento a partir del 2019; asimismo, los indicadores de mortalidad infantil fueron inestables, con propensión al incremento, sobre todo en el segundo semestre, y peores resultados en el 2021 y 2022. Existió un descenso mantenido de los nacimientos a partir del 2011, que alcanzó 25,6 % en el 2022. Respecto a los semestres, en el segundo hubo mayor número de nacimientos, defunciones y tasas. Conclusiones: La provincia de Santiago de Cuba influye de forma directa en los resultados de la mortalidad infantil nacional, con una tasa superior a la exhibida por el país. El segundo semestre es el período en el que se incrementan los nacimientos y las defunciones, lo que incide en la elevación de las tasas respectivas.

Introduction: The infant mortality rate is an important and sensitive indicator of the well-being and life quality of a population, very used to measure the health state. Objective: To characterize the infant mortality in Santiago de Cuba province during the period 2008-2022. Methods: An observational descriptive and cross-sectional study about the infant mortality was carried out in Santiago de Cuba during the years 2008-2022. The existent relationship among the semesters of every year regarding births, deaths and their incidence in the country rate was analyzed. Results: A decrease of births and an increment of deaths were observed in each five year period studied regarding the previous one. The number of deceased children under one year fluctuated, with a tendency to the increase starting from 2019; also, the indicators of infant mortality were unstable, with tendency to the increment, mainly in the second semester, and worse results in 2021 and 2022. There was a maintained decrease of births since 2011 that reached 25.6% in 2022. In relation to semesters, in the second one there was a higher number of births, deaths and rates. Conclusions: Santiago de Cuba province influences in a direct way on the results of national infant mortality, with a superior rate to the one exhibited by the country. The second semester is the period in which births and deaths are increased, what impacts in the elevation of the respective rates.

Mortalidad infantil y condiciones de vida socioeconómicamente adversas: el caso de dos distritos poblacionales en Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: La mortalidad infantil es un fenómeno sanitario relacionado directamente con las condiciones de vida deletéreas, tanto del hogar del infante como de factores socioeconómicos e higiénico-sanitarios adversos. Objetivo: Caracterizar las desigualdades de la mortalidad infantil, según condiciones diferenciales de vida en dos distritos poblacionales de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, de tipo ecológico exploratorio, en el municipio Santiago de Cuba, en el trienio 1995-1997. Las unidades de análisis estuvieron constituidas por las áreas de salud enmarcadas en dos distritos poblacionales de la ciudad. Resultados: Se estratificaron ambos distritos poblacionales, según sus condiciones de vida, en asentamientos con condiciones de vida menos desfavorables y más desfavorables. Se estimó mayor mortalidad infantil en el asentamiento con condiciones de vida más desfavorables (8,7 fallecidos por 1000 nacidos vivos), donde predominaron como causas clínicas de muerte las asfixias, la anoxia e hipoxias y causas clínicas reducibles por buena atención en el parto. Conclusiones: Se identificó un perfil diferencial de mortalidad infantil, según las condiciones de vida, al interior de los asentamientos poblacionales de los distritos urbanos de Santiago de Cuba. Los riesgos distintivos de muerte infantil fueron a expensas del componente neonatal, en lo fundamental por causas clínicas reducibles por buena atención en el parto.

Introduction: Infant mortality is a health phenomenon directly related to the deleterious living conditions of both the infant's home and adverse socioeconomic and sanitary factors. Objective: To characterize inequalities in infant mortality according to differential living conditions in two populations districts of Santiago de Cuba. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory ecological study was carried out in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba in 1995-1997. The units of analysis were constituted by the areas framed in two populations districts of the city. Results: Bothe population districts were stratified, according to their living conditions, in settlements with less unfavorable and more unfavorable living conditions. Higher infant mortality was estimated in the settlement with more unfavorable living conditions (8.7 deaths per 1000 live births), where asphyxia, anoxia and hypoxia predominated as clinical causes of death and clinical causes reducible for good care at birth. Conclusions: A differential profile of infant mortality, according to living conditions, was identified within the population settlements of the urban districts of Santiago de Cuba. The distinctive risks of infant death were at the expense of the neonatal component, mainly for clinical causes reducible by good care at birth.

II Congreso Nacional de Pediatría. La lucha contra la mortalidad infantil / II National Congress of Paediatrics: The fight against child mortality

En el presente trabajo se presenta una aproximación a los contenidos de las ponencias del IICongreso Nacional de Pediatría, celebrado en San Sebastián en 1923, con ocasión del centenario del mismo. Se destaca como hilo conductor de las mismas el problema de la mortalidad infantil, que en aquellos años era muy elevada en España y era una preocupación de políticos, de intelectuales y de la clase médica. Se constata que alguna de las propuestas y preocupaciones de los pediatras que asistieron a dicho congreso siguen vigentes hoy en día.(AU)

In this work, we present an overview of the contents of the communications presented at the Second National Congress of Paediatrics, held in San Sebastian in 1923, on the occasion of the 100th year anniversary. The problem of infant mortality stands out as a common thread, which in those years was very high in Spain and was a concern of politicians, intellectuals and the medical profession. It is worth noting that some of the proposals and concerns of the paediatricians who attended that congress continue to be relevant today.(AU)

La regionalización de la atención de cardiopatías congénitas: una meta pendiente.

Congenital heart diseases are considered the most frequent malformations. In Mexico every year between 12 and 16 thousand children are born with some type of congenital heart disease and it is the second cause of mortality in children under 1 year of age and in children aged between 1 and 4 years. The problem of the care of congenital heart diseases is analyzed from a perspective of health policies in the country with an emphasis on regionalizing their care in order to rationalize the use of available resources and with the aim of serving the largest number of patients and achieve the best clinical results. It emphasizes the need to promote cooperation among the different civil society organizations and institutions to exchange ideas to create consensus and joint projects for a better use of available resources to achieve universal and quality care of children with congenital heart disease in all the country.

Las cardiopatías congénitas son consideradas las malformaciones más frecuentes. En México cada año entre 12 y 16 mil niños nacen con algún tipo de cardiopatía congénita, y es la segunda causa de mortalidad en menores de 1 año y en niños de entre 1 y 4 años. Se analiza la problemática de la atención de las cardiopatías congénitas desde una perspectiva de políticas de salud en el país, con énfasis en lograr regionalizar su atención con el fin de racionalizar la utilización de los recursos disponibles y con el objetivo de atender al mayor número de pacientes y lograr los mejores resultados clínicos. Se enfatiza la necesidad de promover la cooperación entre las diferentes organizaciones de la sociedad civil y las instituciones para intercambiar ideas que permitan crear consensos y proyectos conjuntos para una mejor utilización de los recursos disponibles para lograr la atención universal y de calidad de los niños con cardiopatía congénita en todo el país.

Regionalization of congenital heart disease care: A pending goal.

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are considered the most frequent malformations. In Mexico, every year between 12 and 16 thousand children are born with some type of CHD and it is the second cause of mortality in children under 1 year of age and in children aged between 1 and 4 years. The problem of the care of CHDs is analyzed from a perspective of health policies in the country with an emphasis on regionalizing their care to rationalize the use of available resources and with the aim of serving the largest number of patients and achieve the best clinical results. It emphasizes the need to promote cooperation among the different civil society organizations and institutions to exchange ideas to create consensus and joint projects for a better use of available resources to achieve universal and quality care of children with CHD in all the country.

Las cardiopatías congénitas son consideradas las malformaciones más frecuentes. En México cada año entre 12 y 16 mil niños nacen con algún tipo de cardiopatía congénita, y es la segunda causa de mortalidad en menores de 1 año y en niños de entre 1 y 4 años. Se analiza la problemática de la atención de las cardiopatías congénitas desde una perspectiva de políticas de salud en el país, con énfasis en lograr regionalizar su atención con el fin de racionalizar la utilización de los recursos disponibles y con el objetivo de atender al mayor número de pacientes y lograr los mejores resultados clínicos. Se enfatiza la necesidad de promover la cooperación entre las diferentes organizaciones de la sociedad civil y las instituciones para intercambiar ideas que permitan crear consensos y proyectos conjuntos para una mejor utilización de los recursos disponibles para lograr la atención universal y de calidad de los niños con cardiopatía congénita en todo el país.

Dinâmica espaço-temporal e fatores associados à mortalidade neonatal / Space-temporal dynamics and factors associated with newborn mortality / Dinámica Espacio-temporal y factores asociados a la mortalidad del recién nacido

Objetivo:analisar a distribuição espacial e temporal da mortalidade neonatal e fatores associados no Piauí de 2007 a 2017. Método: foi utilizado o método Joinpoint, estatística bayesiana e a técnica de varredura Scan. A análise multivariada dos indicadores foi realizada através do modelo Ordinary Least Squares Estimation, considerando-se p<0,05. Resultados: a mortalidade neonatal reduziu de forma linear e significativa ao longo do período estudado. As maiores taxas bayesianas variaram de 16,34 a 18,38 óbitos por 1.000 nascidos vivos, especialmente no Sudeste piauiense. Houve associação negativa entre a mortalidade neonatal e as variáveis: Taxa de analfabetismo (ß = -0,60; p= 0,027), Cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ß = -2,80; p= 0,023) e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (ß = -0,60; p= 0,003). Conclusão: a mortalidade neonatal segue decrescente e sua distribuição no território mostrou-se irregular. Indicadores socioeconômicos e de saúde influenciam a mortalidade neonatal no Piauí

Objective: to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of neonatal mortality and associated factors in Piauí from 2007 to 2017. Method: the Joinpoint method, Bayesian statistics and the Scan technique were used. The multivariate analysis of the indicators was performed using the Ordinary Least Squares Estimation model, considering p<0.05. Results: neonatal mortality decreased linearly and significantly over the period studied. The highest Bayesian rates ranged from 16.34 to 18.38 deaths per 1,000 live births, especially in Southeast Piauí. There was a negative association between neonatal mortality and the variables: Illiteracy rate (ß = -0.60; p= 0.027), Family Health Strategy Coverage (ß = -2.80; p= 0.023) and Human Development Index Municipal (ß = -0.60; p= 0.003). Conclusion: neonatal mortality continues to decrease and its distribution in the territory proved to be irregular. Socioeconomic and health indicators influence neonatal mortality in Piauí

Objetivos: analizar la distribución espacial y temporal de la mortalidad neonatal y factores asociados en Piauí de 2007 a 2017. Método: se utilizó el método Joinpoint, la estadística bayesiana y la técnica Scan. El análisis multivariado de los indicadores se realizó mediante el modelo de Estimación por Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios, considerando p<0,05. Resultados: la mortalidad neonatal disminuyó lineal y significativamente durante el período estudiado. Las tasas bayesianas más altas oscilaron entre 16,34 y 18,38 muertes por 1.000 nacidos vivos, especialmente en el Sudeste de Piauí. Hubo asociación negativa entre la mortalidad neonatal y las variables: Tasa de Analfabetismo (ß = -0,60; p= 0,027), Cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ß = -2,80; p= 0,023) e Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal (ß = -0,60; p= 0,003). Conclusión: la mortalidad neonatal continúa en descenso y su distribución en el territorio resultó ser irregular. Indicadores socioeconómicos y de salud influyen en la mortalidad neonatal en Piauí

Neonatal mortality in countries of the Americas, 2000-2020: trends, inequalities, and target-setting / Mortalidad neonatal en los países de la Región de las Américas, 2000-2020: tendencias, desigualdades y establecimiento de metas / Mortalidade neonatal nos países das Américas, 2000-2020: tendências, desigualdades e definição de metas

ABSTRACT Objective. To analyze temporal trends and inequalities in neonatal mortality between 2000 and 2020, and to set neonatal mortality targets for 2025 and 2030 in the Americas. Methods. A descriptive ecological study was conducted using 33 countries of the Americas as units of analysis. Both the percentage change and average annual percentage change in neonatal mortality rates were estimated. Measurements of absolute and relative inequality based on adjusted regression models were used to assess cross-country social inequalities in neonatal mortality. Targets to reduce neonatal mortality and cross-country inequalities were set for 2025 and 2030. Results. The estimated regional neonatal mortality rate was 12.0 per 1 000 live births in 2000-2004 and 7.4 per 1 000 live births in 2020, representing a percentage change of -38.3% and an average annual percentage change of -2.7%. National average annual percentage changes in neonatal mortality rates between 2000-2004 and 2020 ranged from -5.5 to 1.9 and were mostly negative. The estimated excess neonatal mortality in the 20% most socially disadvantaged countries, compared with the 20% least socially disadvantaged countries, was 17.1 and 9.8 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2000-2004 and 2020, respectively. Based on an extrapolation of recent trends, the regional neonatal mortality rate is projected to reach 7.0 and 6.6 neonatal deaths per 1 000 live births by 2025 and 2030, respectively. Conclusions. National and regional health authorities need to strengthen their efforts to reduce persistent social inequalities in neonatal mortality both within and between countries.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Analizar las desigualdades en la mortalidad neonatal y las tendencias en el transcurso del tiempo entre el 2000 y el 2020, y establecer metas en materia de mortalidad neonatal para el 2025 y el 2030 en la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio ecológico descriptivo con información de 33 países de la Región de las Américas que se usaron como unidades de análisis. Se calculó tanto la variación porcentual como la variación porcentual anual media de las tasas de mortalidad neonatal. Se utilizaron mediciones de la desigualdad absoluta y relativa basadas en modelos de regresión ajustados, para evaluar las desigualdades sociales en los diversos países en cuanto a la mortalidad neonatal. Se establecieron metas de reducción de la mortalidad neonatal y de las desigualdades en los diversos países para el 2025 y el 2030. Resultados. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal en la Región fue de 12,0 por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el período 2000-2004 y de 7,4 por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el 2020, lo que representa una variación porcentual del -38,3% y una variación porcentual anual media del -2,7%. Las variaciones porcentuales anuales medias de las tasas de mortalidad neonatal a nivel nacional entre el período 2000-2004 y el 2020 oscilaron entre -5,5 y 1,9, y fueron en su mayor parte negativas. El exceso de mortalidad neonatal estimado en el 20% de los países más desfavorecidos socialmente, en comparación con el 20% de los países menos desfavorecidos socialmente, fue de 17,1 muertes por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el período 2000-2004 y de 9,8 muertes por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el 2020. Al extrapolar las tendencias más recientes, se prevé que la tasa de mortalidad neonatal de la Región alcance valores de 7,0 y 6,6 muertes neonatales por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el 2025 y el 2030, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Las autoridades de salud nacionales y regionales deben fortalecer las medidas para reducir las desigualdades sociales que aún persisten en materia de mortalidad neonatal, tanto entre los distintos países como dentro de cada país.

RESUMO Objetivo. Analisar as tendências temporais e desigualdades em mortalidade neonatal entre 2000 e 2020 e estabelecer metas de mortalidade neonatal para 2025 e 2030 na Região das Américas. Métodos. Estudo ecológico descritivo examinando 33 países das Américas como unidades de análise. Foram estimadas a variação percentual e a variação percentual anual média das taxas de mortalidade neonatal. Foram usadas medidas de desigualdade absoluta e relativa baseadas em modelos de regressão ajustados para avaliar desigualdades sociais entre países em termos de mortalidade neonatal. Foram definidas metas de redução da mortalidade neonatal e das desigualdades entre países para 2025 e 2030. Resultados. A taxa regional estimada de mortalidade neonatal foi de 12,0 por mil nascidos vivos em 2000-2004, e de 7,4 por mil nascidos vivos em 2020, representando uma variação percentual de -38,3%, e uma variação percentual anual média de -2,7%. As variações percentuais anuais médias nacionais das taxas de mortalidade neonatal entre 2000-2004 e 2020 variaram entre -5,5 e 1,9 e, em sua maioria, foram negativas. O excesso estimado de mortalidade neonatal nos países que estavam entre os 20% mais desfavorecidos socialmente, em comparação com os países entre os 20% menos desfavorecidos, foi de 17,1 e 9,8 mortes por mil nascidos vivos em 2000-2004 e 2020, respectivamente. Com base em extrapolação das tendências recentes, estima-se que a taxa de mortalidade neonatal regional deve atingir 7,0 e 6,6 mortes neonatais por mil nascidos vivos em 2025 e 2030, respectivamente. Conclusões. As autoridades de saúde nacionais e regionais precisam intensificar seus esforços para reduzir desigualdades sociais persistentes na mortalidade neonatal, tanto dentro dos países quanto entre eles.

Guia cuidativo-educacional manejo do óbito neonatal: produção a partir do itinerário de pesquisa freiriano* / Care-educational guide to neonatal death management: production based on Freire's research itinerary / Guía educativa y de cuidados para el manejo de la muerte neonatal: producción a partir del Itinerario de investigación de Freire

Objetivo: produzir um guia cuidativo-educacional para e com os profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, a partir da compreensão de suas práticas vivenciadas no manejo do óbito neonatal. Método: estudo metodológico, qualitativo, guiado pelo Itinerário de Pesquisa de Paulo Freire, constituído por três etapas: Investigação temática, Codificação e Descodificação e Desvelamento crítico. Realizado em uma maternidade pública em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil, com a participação de 24 profissionais. Resultados: o guia foi organizado em três capítulos sobre os cuidados e preparo do bebê; orientações para a equipe de saúde do que fazer diante da perda neonatal; apoio a equipe e direitos maternos diante da perda. Conclusão: a tecnologia foi produzida com uma estratégia metodológica que contribuiu para a compreensão das práticas de cuidado no manejo do óbito neonatal, marcadas por sentimentos traumáticos, que de forma coletiva, os participantes se sentirem estimulados a buscar intervenções sistematizadas, acolhedoras e humanizadas.

Objective: to produce a care-educational guide for and with health professionals in an Intensive Care Unit, based on an understanding of their practices in neonatal death management. Method: a qualitative and methodological study guided by Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary, consisting of three stages: Thematic investigation; Coding and Decoding; and Critical Unveiling. It was carried out at a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, with the participation of 24 professionals. Results: the guide was organized into three chapters on care and preparation of the neonate; guidelines for the health team on what to do in the face of neonatal loss; support for the team; and maternal rights facing the loss. Conclusion: the technology was produced with a methodological strategy that contributed to understanding care practices in neonatal death management, marked by traumatic feelings, which collectively encouraged the participants to seek systematized, welcoming and humanized interventions.

Objetivo: crear una guía educativa y de cuidados para y con los profesionales de la salud de una Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo, a partir d comprender las prácticas que experimentan en el manejo de la muerte neonatal. Método: estudio metodológico y cualitativo, guiado por el Itinerario de Investigación de Paulo Freire, constituido por tres etapas: Investigación temática, Codificación y Descodificación, y Desvelamiento crítico. El estudio se realizó en una maternidad pública de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil, con participación de 24 profesionales. Resultados: la guía se organizó en tres capítulos sobre los cuidados y la preparación del neonato; pautas para el equipo de salud sobre qué hacer frente a una muerte neonatal; apoyo para el equipo; y derechos maternos frente a la pérdida. Conclusión: la tecnología se produjo con una estrategia metodológica que ayudó a comprender las prácticas de cuidado en el manejo de la muerte neonatal, marcadas por sentimientos traumáticos y que, en forma colectiva, los participantes se sintieran estimulados a buscar intervenciones sistematizadas, acogedoras y humanizadas.

The wet nurses of the Hospital Real of Santiago de Compostela between 1803 and 1808 / Las nodrizas del Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela entre 1803 y 1808 / As amas de leite do Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela entre 1803 e 1808

Objective. To analyze the duties of wet nurses at the Hospital Real in Santiago de Compostela (Spain). The secondary objectives were to compare the mortality rate and distribution by parish of the foundlings under the care of the Royal House between 1803 and 1808; and to determine the origin of the Galician foundlings who participated in the Royal Philanthropic Expedition of the Smallpox Vaccine in 1803. Methods. Historiographic study that analyzed sorted and not sorted in series indirect positional and quantitative historical sources.Results. The duties of wet nurses during the studied period were to provide basic care and cultural instruction. The mortality rate of foundlings fluctuated during that period and their distribution by parish (functional unit of healthcare services at that time) was similar in those years, with a predominance in the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra. A total of 5 Galician foundlings from the House analyzed were part of the smallpox vaccine expedition, their names were Juan Antonio, Jacinto, Gerónimo María, Francisco Florencio and Juan Francisco. Conclusion. During the observed period the wet nurses of the Hospital Real of Santiago de Compostela were in charge of pediatric care. Wet nurses were vital in the role of keeping the foundlings alive and can be considered as one of the forerunners of the pediatric nurse profession at that time.

Objetivo. analizar las funciones que realizaban las amas de leche en el Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela (España). Los objetivos secundarios han sido: comparar la mortalidad y distribución por parroquias de los niños expósitos a cargo de la Real Casa entre 1803 y 1808, determinar la procedencia de los niños expósitos gallegos que participaron en la Real Expedición Filantrópica de la Vacuna de la viruela en 1803. Métodos. Estudio historiográfico que analizó fuentes históricas posicionales indirectas y cuantitativas seriadas y no seriadas. Resultados. las funciones de las nodrizas durante el período de estudio eran proporcionar los cuidados básicos e instrucción cultural; la mortalidad de los expósitos sufrió oscilaciones a lo largo del período analizado. La distribución por parroquias (unidad funcional de las áreas de salud en la época) fue similar en estos años, con predominancia de las provincias de A Coruña y Pontevedra. Un total de 5 niños expósitos gallegos de la Casa analizada han participado en la expedición filantrópica de la viruela, sus nombres fueron: Juan Antonio, Jacinto, Gerónimo María, Francisco Florencio y Juan Francisco. Conclusión. Durante el período de observación, las amas de leche del Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela realizaban cuidados pediátricos. Las nodrizas cumplieron un rol fundamental para el mantenimiento con vida de los niños expósitos y pueden ser consideradas como una de las figuras precursoras de la profesión enfermera pediátrica en la época.

Objetivo. Analisar as funções desempenhadas pelas nutrizes no Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela (Espanha). Os objetivos secundários foram: comparar a mortalidade e distribuição por freguesia dos enjeitados responsáveis pela Casa Real entre 1803 e 1808, determinar a origem dos enjeitados galegos que participaram na Real Expedição Filantrópica da Vacina contra a Varíola em 1803. Métodos. Estudo historiográfico que analisou fontes históricas posicionais indiretas e quantitativas seriadas e não seriadas. Resultados. As funções das amas de leite durante o período do estudo eram fornecer cuidados básicos e instrução cultural; A mortalidade dos enjeitados oscilou ao longo do período analisado. A distribuição por freguesias (unidade funcional das áreas de saúde da época) foi semelhante nestes anos, com predominância das províncias da Corunha e Pontevedra. Na expedição filantrópica contra a varíola participaram um total de 5 crianças galegas da Casa analisada, os seus nomes eram: Juan Antônio, Jacinto, Gerônimo María, Francisco Florencio e Juan Francisco. Conclusão. Durante o período de observação, as nutrizes do Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela prestaram cuidados pediátricos. As amas de leite desempenharam um papel fundamental na manutenção da vida dos enjeitados e podem ser consideradas uma das figuras precursoras da profissão de enfermagem pediátrica da época.

[Congenital heart disease mortality in Spain during a 10 year period (2003-2012)]. / Mortalidad de las cardiopatías congénitas en España durante 10 años (2003-2012).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Congenital heart disease is a major cause of infant mortality in developed countries. In Spain, there are no publications at national level on mortality due to congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to analyse mortality in infants with congenital heart disease, lethality of different types of congenital heart disease, and their variation over a ten-year period. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed to evaluate mortality rate of children under one year old with congenital heart disease, using the minimum basic data set, from 2003 to 2012. Mortality rate and relative risk of mortality were estimated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: There were 2,970 (4.58%) infant deaths in a population of 64,831 patients with congenital heart disease, with 73.8% of deaths occurring during first week of life. Infant mortality rate in patients with congenital heart disease was 6.23 per 10,000 live births, and remained constant during the ten-year period of the study, representing 18% of total infant mortality rate in Spain. The congenital heart diseases with highest mortality rates were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (41.4%), interruption of aortic arch (20%), and total anomalous pulmonary drainage (16.8%). Atrial septal defect (1%) and pulmonary stenosis (1.1%) showed the lowest mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital heart disease was a major cause of infant mortality with no variations during the study period. The proportion of infants who died in our study was similar to other similar countries. In spite of current medical advances, some forms of congenital heart disease show very high mortality rates.

Evolución 2010-2019 de la mortalidad neonatal en la cuenca Matanza Riachuelo. Comparación con Argentina, provincia de Buenos Aires y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 2019 / Evolution of neonatal mortality in the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin between 2010 and 2019. A comparison of Argentina, the province of Buenos Aires, and the City of Buenos Aires, 2019

Introducción. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal (TMN) es un indicador de condiciones socioeconómicas, ambientales y sanitarias. La cuenca Matanza Riachuelo (CMR) es la más contaminada de Argentina. Objetivo. Analizar la evolución de la mortalidad neonatal (MN) en la CMR entre los años 2010 y 2019, sus características, y compararla con datos globales de Argentina, de la provincia de Buenos Aires (PBA) y de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) en 2019. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de estadísticas vitales del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Resultados. En 2019, la TMN en la CMR fue del 6,4 ‰; en Argentina, del 6,2 ‰; en PBA, del 6 ‰, y en CABA, del 5,1 ‰. El riesgo de MN en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,32; IC95% 1,08-1,61). Entre 2010 y 2019, disminuyó la TMN en la CMR, en PBA y en Argentina; pero no en CABA. El riesgo de MN por afecciones perinatales en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,30; IC95% 1,011,67). El riesgo de muerte para nacidos vivos (NV) con muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN) en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,70; IC95% 1,33-2,18) y menor que en Argentina (RR: 0,78; IC95% 0,70-0,87). Conclusión. La evolución 2010-2019 de la TMN fue similar en la CMR, en Argentina y en PBA. En 2019 la estructura de causas y el riesgo de MN fueron similares en la CMR, en PBA y en Argentina, con mayor riesgo por afecciones perinatales y de los NV con MBPN. La TMN de NV de MBPN fue menor en la CMR que en Argentina.

Introduction. The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) is an indicator of socioeconomic, environmental, andhealth care conditions. The Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (MRRB) is the most polluted in Argentina.Objective. To analyze neonatal mortality (NM) in the MRRB between 2010 and 2019 and compare itwith overall data for Argentina, the province of Buenos Aires (PBA), and the City of Buenos Aires (CABA)in 2019.Population and methods. Descriptive study based on vital statistics provided by the Ministry of Health. Results. In 2019, the NMR was 6.4‰ in the MRRB, 6.2‰ in Argentina; 6‰ in PBA; and 5.1‰ in CABA.The risk of NM in the MRRB was higher than in CABA (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08­1.61). Between 2010and 2019, the NMR decreased in the MRRB, PBA, and Argentina; but not in CABA.The risk of NM due to perinatal conditions in the MRRB was higher than in CABA (RR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01­1.67).The risk of death among very low birth weight (VLBW) live births (LBs) in the MRRB was higher than in CABA(RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.33­2.18) and lower than in Argentina (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70­0.87).Conclusion. The evolution of NMR between 2010 and 2019 was similar in the MRRB, Argentina, andPBA. In 2019, the structure of causes and the risk of NM were similar in the MRRB, PBA, and Argentina,with a higher risk due to perinatal conditions and among VLBW LBs. The NMR among VLBW LBs waslower in the MRRB than in Argentina