SNS reports 17 neonatal deaths at La Altagracia Maternity Hospital during August
The National Health Service (SNS) released the results of a recent intervention carried out at the Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia University Maternity Hospital. After evaluating the period between August 1 and 24, authorities confirmed the death of 17 newborns at the hospital center.
The investigation was motivated by reports circulating about a possible increase in neonatal mortality due to bacterial infections. According to the official report, of the 17 registered cases, only three babies, who were born with a condition of extreme prematurity, tested positive for microorganisms.
Clinical causes of death
The institution’s technical breakdown details that the remaining 14 deaths were linked to highly complex clinical complications, inherent to the patients’ health status at birth. Among the pathologies identified are:
- Extreme prematurity and its associated complications.
- Complex congenital anomalies.
- Gastroschisis cases.
- Single ventricle type congenital heart disease.
- Pulmonary hypertension and moderate prematurity.
During the evaluated period, the hospital center recorded a total of 266 live births. Given this scenario, the SNS has maintained an active intervention, which includes an exhaustive audit of clinical records to ensure transparency in the handling of each case.
We cannot allow a mother or a child to die from a preventable cause. The Public Health Network has all the necessary equipment, instruments, and medications to be able to preserve the lives of expectant mothers and newborn children.
Julio Landrón, Executive Director of the SNS
Control and surveillance measures
As part of the actions to ensure patient safety, the SNS reported that 15 patients had positive blood cultures. Of this group, eight remain under strict medical observation in stable condition, while four were discharged after showing favorable progress.
Authorities have reinforced biosafety protocols in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), implementing rigorous measures that include:
- Constant epidemiological surveillance.
- Strict hand hygiene protocols.
- Deep cleaning and disinfection of critical areas.
- Isolation and cohorting of cases.
- Technical and supervised use of antimicrobials.
Within the framework of this management, the executive director of the SNS, Julio Landrón, began a tour of various maternity hospitals in the country, emphasizing that the institution maintains a “zero tolerance” policy regarding any maternal or infant death that could be preventable, urging medical personnel to comply with the necessary rigor of clinical care guidelines.
