PART ASCRIBABLE TO INSUFFICIENT PREVENTIO N IN THE ACTIVITIES OF A NEONATAL INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT

In 100 records collected from a neonata intensive care unit, 19 cases of insufficient prevention were noted. In some of them, several tactic al faults affected the same infant. In 9 cases pre- or perinatal surve illance was lacking; there were 9 cases of inappropriate transfer and 11 cases of iatrogenic complications. Three mothers refused all examin ations. In all other cases, both medical and paramedical staffs did no t utilize the means at their disposal to satisfaction. We conclude tha t for a better effective use of intensive care it seems rational to co nvince the perinatology actors to exploit under good conditions the ex isting possibilities of prevention rather than demanding a reinforceme nt of the present statutory structures.