Using the Nordic-Baltic perinatal death classification to assess perinatal care in Ukraine

Objective: To identify health care issues important to reduce the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in Ukraine. Study Design: Perinatal deaths in the Donetsk region (Ukraine) in 1997-1998 were compared with those in Denmark in 1996 by using the Nordic-Baltic classification for perinatal deaths. Clinical guidelines, use of technology and rates of interventions in the two regions were described. Results: A two-fold increase in PMR was found in Ukraine compared to Denmark, mainly explained by higher rates of antenatal deaths of growth restricted fetuses, intrapartum deaths, and neonatal deaths due to asphyxia. Vacuum extraction is rarely used in Ukraine. The clinical guidelines for care differ significantly between the two regions. Conclusion: Appropriate use of technology and implementation of evidence-based guidelines should be a matter of high priority in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.