[Perinatal outcomes of preterm births occuring to native-born and migrant mothers in Iceland].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and perinatal outcomes of preterm births in Iceland during 1997-2018 and compare outcomes of Icelandic and migrant mothers. METHODS: The population in this historical population-based cohort study was all preterm (p<37 weeks gestation) live-born singletons born in Iceland from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2018 and their mothers; a total of 3837 births. Data was obtained from the Icelandic Medical Birth Registry. The group of migrant women was defined as women with other citizenship than Icelandic. Migrant women were divided into three groups based on their country of citizenship Human Development Index (HDI). Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used in data processing. RESULTS: The incidence of preterm births in Iceland increased during the study period (3,9% 1998-2001 vs. 4,5% 2012-2018, p<005) and was significantly higher among migrant mothers, especially from countries with the lowest HDI (OR 1,49 (CI 1,21-1,81) p<,001). Infants of mothers from countries with the lowest HDI had a significantly lower prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome compared with infants of Icelandic mothers (4,5% vs. 11,4%, p=0,035) meanwhile infants of mothers from countries with a medium high HDI were more often small for gestational age compared with infants of Icelandic mothers (11,4% vs. 6,9%, p=0,021). CONCLUSION: Preterm births have become more common in Iceland and the incidence is significantly higher among migrant mothers, however the outcomes of preterm infants are generally good and mostly comparable between Icelandic and migrant mothers.

[Pre- and Postnatal Diagnosis of Congenital Central Nervous System Anomalies in Iceland in 1992-2016].

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) in Iceland during 1992-2016 was examined along with timing of diagnosis, maternal residence, known risk factors and perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all fe-tuses and newborns diagnosed with a CNS anomaly during the study period and their mothers. Information was obtained from the Icelandic Birth Registry and from maternal and neonatal medical records. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analyzing. RESULTS: Annually, 3-12 cases of congenital CNS anomalies were diagnosed. Five year period incidence ranged from 1.4-2.4/1000 newborns, highest in 2012-2016. Over 89% were diagnosed -prenatally, of those 80% were terminated. The average gestational age at diagnosis of anencephaly was 19,3 weeks 1992-1996 vs. 11.6 weeks 2012-2016 (p=0,006). Urban area prenatal diagnosis was higher (94%) than rural (80%) (p=0.006). Known risk factors among mothers were uncommon, except for maternal obesity during the period 2012-2016 (23%). Of 57 live born children with CNS anomalies 37 (65%) were alive at the time of the study. CONCLUSION: The incidence of congenital anomalies of the CNS is stable and maternal risk factors are infrequent. Around 90% were diagnosed prenatally. Fetal anencephaly was diagnosed earlier at the end of the study period, after the introduction of a 11-14 week ultrasound scan in 2003, along with increased training among -healthcare professionals and improved ultrasound equipment. Higher prenatal detection rate in urban areas compared with rural may be explained by fewer ultrasound examinations being performed in less populated health districts, staff consequently receiving less training and experience and also with less advanced equipment.