New Protocol for Diaphragmatic Hernia
Diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen does not completely form. This allows the intestines to move up (herniate) into the chest compressing the lungs and reducing their growth. Babies with this problem have high risks for death or long-term developmental and lung problems. We have been working for many years to improve outcomes for these infants. Several years ago we introduced a new protocol to treat babies with diaphragmatic hernia. In January, we published the results of these efforts. Survival significantly improved from 67% (34/51) to 88% (38/43). We are constantly working to improve the care that we deliver to babies. If you have questions, please contact us at neo@mnneo.org.
Complication Rates Continue to Drop
The Minneapolis NICU has achieved one of the lowest rates of hospital-acquired infections seen in any NICU anywhere in the U.S. Since 2005, the nosocomial infection rate ) has gone from 28% to 7% of very-low-birth-weight infants (birth weight 501-1500 grams). This represents about a 75% reduction in infections. These results have been achieved due to the coordinated and dedicated work of physicians, nurses, and many others. We have introduced new disinfectant solutions, changed equipment, and developed more effective processes for preventing infection in our vulnerable patien. Hospital acquired infections roughly double the risk of cerebral palsy in very-low-birth-weight infants. Based on our reduction in these infections we prevent about 8 cases of cerebral palsy per year by preventing these infections. We remain committed to providing the best possible care for our patients and their families.
Staying At the Hospital With Your Baby Made Easier
In addition to sleeping facilities in each patient room, the Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics Minneapolis Campus will open 1 November. For families who live a long way from the hospital, having the ability to stay at the Ronald McDonald House gives them the opportunity for a private, convenient home-away-from-home. The new facility is on the second floor just one floor and about 200 feet from the NICU. We try to be sensitive to families’ needs as well as the health care needs of their babies. The new Ronald McDonald House is another example of our efforts to reduce the stress associated with having a baby in the NICU. We are grateful for the many contributions of resources and time that have made possible this collaboration between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Outcomes for 2009
We recently received our outcomes report from Vermont Oxford Network (VON). Our overall survival for very low birth weight infants (501-1500 grams or 1 pound, 1.5 ounces to 3 pounds, 4.5 ounces) was 94.3%. This represents a marked increase over 2008, a rise from 84.3% to 94.3%. By comparison overall survival in all other hospitals participating in the VON was 88.3%. Some fluctuation in mortality rates always occurs from year to year. However, our data reflects our consistent efforts to improve the care that we deliver to our patients.
Reviewing Our Outcomes
Every year we review our outcomes to see if there are areas where we can improve the care that we deliver. We rely heavily on the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) to compare our outcomes with those of other NICUs. The VON is a collaborative database that analyzes the outcomes of about 40,000 very low birth weight infants (birth weight less than 3 lbs 5 oz) each year. Our NICU and over 6oo other NICUs from around the world submit their data annually. Each September we receive a report of our outcomes compared to the other NICUs in the VON. We will begin reporting our outcomes on the blog in mid-September, as soon as we receive them.
Babies Are Our Only Business
We are a single specialty group of pediatricians that have taken extra training to care for newborns. Our single focus is providing the best possible care for babies and supporting their families. We welcome questions. If you have any questions while you are in the NICU, please ask them. You and your baby’s welfare are our primary concern.
Welcome to Our New Blog
We want to help you to understand as much as possible about your child’s condition and the outcome you might expect. As a starting point, you may wish to review the information on the Outcomes section of our website. Outcome facts are only a small part of helping you understand your individual situation. Each baby is different, and we will be happy to answer your questions and discuss the likely outcome of your infant(s) with you. Please contact us at 1-888-455-2229 (Office) or 612-813-6295 (NICU).