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Latest Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit in Ireland Annual Report 2023.
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Welcome to the twelfth report of the Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit, conducted by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC). This edition marks a milestone as the first web-based report, designed to make findings more accessible and easier to navigate.
The report presents key findings from perinatal deaths in Ireland during 2023.
Key Findings
- The perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in Ireland was 4.30 per 1,000 total births in 2023.
- The corrected PMR rate was 3.00 per 1,000 total births. Corrected for Major Congenital Anomalies (MCA).
- Stillbirth rate was 2.89 per 1,000 total births.
- Early neonatal death rate was 1.41 per 1,000 live births.
Maternal Characteristics
- Maternal age (less than 25) was associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality.
- Women with one previous birth had a lower risk perinatal mortality, while higher parity did not increase the risk.
Infant Characteristics
- Low birthweight centiles were associated with perinatal deaths in 2023, particularly stillbirths.
- Multiple pregnancies had an increase risk of perinatal death. They accounted for 11% of deaths but only 3.5% of all births.
Autopsy Uptake
- The rate of autopsy uptake continues to be higher in stillbirths (65.8%) compared to neonatal deaths in 2023.
- In Ireland, parental decline of autopsy was more frequent in early neonatal deaths (n=48 of 77,62.3%)
The audit includes all infants born with a birthweight ≥500g or gestational age ≥24 weeks.
Data was collected through the Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit Notification Form, ensuring standardized and complete reporting across maternity units.
The Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit in Ireland - Annual Report 2023 is the first web-based edition, providing improved accessibility and clarity for stakeholders. The NPEC plans to alternate between concise surveillance-style reports and detailed annual reports, balancing timeliness with comprehensive analysis.