Means of reaching successful antenatal transfers to level 3 hospitals in cases of threatened very preterm deliveries: a national survey

Abstract

Introduction: Centralization of very preterm deliveries to level 3 hospitals is recommended to improve infant survival and prevent brain injury. We studied the clinical practices of centralization from level 2 to level 3 hospitals in cases of threatening very preterm delivery in Finland.

Materials and methods: Obstetricians in all 16 level 2 hospitals in Finland were invited to participate in an online survey regarding antenatal transfer to level 3 hospitals among women with threatened delivery below 32 gestational weeks. We report clinical thresholds used as indications and contraindications for antenatal transfers, and logistical factors related to transfers.

Results: Twelve out of 16 (75%) hospitals completed the survey. The lower gestational age threshold for antenatal transfer ranged from 22 + 0 to 23 + 0 weeks. All hospitals regarded preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and severe pre-eclampsia as indications for antenatal transfer to a level 3 hospital. Most hospitals reported transferring women in spite of regular contractions (interval over 5 min) or cervical dilatation up to 4 cm. Suspicion of placental abruption, abnormal cardiotocography tracing and poor maternal condition were the most frequently reported contraindications for antenatal transfer. The time to arrange antenatal transfer was less than 2 h in all hospitals, and overcrowding of level 3 hospitals rarely hindered antenatal transfer.

Conclusions: Successful centralization of very preterm deliveries is reached in Finland by rapid and active antenatal transfers. This study identified clinical thresholds used by obstetricians in a setting of long distances and high centralization rate.

Keywords: Antenatal transfer; centralization; in utero transfer; preterm birth; preterm labor; very preterm delivery.