The chasm in neonatal outcomes in relation to time of birth in Lebanon

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time of birth and the mortality and morbidity of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units. DESIGN: This prospective, cohort study examined the records of women and infants admitted to the NICUs of four hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon, between July 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003. The hospitals selected were university affiliated and had a large number of deliveries (5,152 total for the year 2002-2003). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Neonatal mortality and morbidity for infants admitted to the NICU were evaluated in relation to time of birth. RESULTS: For the whole sample, mortality was higher for infants born during the night shift than for those born during the day shift. Mortality, morbidity, and brain asphyxia rates were also higher for infants born during the night shift and admitted to the NICU. Maternal risk factors and delivery complications were nor consistently higher on the night shift.