The purpose of this integrative literature review was to provide a compilation and review of literature related to perinatal outcomes of clients with antepartum or intrapartum oligohydramnios and management decisions applied to these clients. This paper is intended to synthesize and summarize the most current knowledge retrieved in these topics between the years of 1990- 2000. A general search using key terms was conducted, and yielded 63 prospective articles comprised of full articles, abstracts, and literature reviews. Seventeen articles on oligohydramnios, amniotic fluid volume measurements, and perinatal outcomes were retained out of the 35 that were found. The search for the literature discussing management of oligohydramnios produced 9 articles, of which 3 were found to be pertinent to this project. Twelve of the total 39 articles retained were literature reviews and were used for citation and identification of additional information material to this topic. Seven of the 39 articles were retained for the sole purpose of enabling the author to provide a descriptive, thorough review on the relevant concepts of this review. Studies reviewing amniotic fluid volume/oligohydramnios and perinatal outcomes suggest great variance among likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes. Studies reviewing management of oligohydramnios suggest amnioinfusion may have obstetrical and perinatal benefits for the client with oligohydramnios. Aggressive management including indication for cesarean section related to fetal distress and labor induction were implied with minimal discussion on conservative management for these clients.

Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-129). / Microfiche. / x, 129 leaves, bound 29 cm

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D.Cur. / The purpose of this study was to formulate clinical guidelines for critical nursing actions in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Currently each NICU has their own set of policies and standards for various procedures relevant to NICUs. There is thus no standardisation of nursing methods between the increasing numbers of NICUs. Uniform standards are of significant importance with regards to the nurses working in the units on a freelance basis through nursing agencies. The nurses often work in more than one unit and are thus subjected to various methods of performing one task ...

Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the outcome of critically ill neonates and children admitted to a general intensive care unit in a large regional hospital (Worcester) in the Western Cape. A secondary aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for death in these neonates and children. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive survey of all paediatric admissions (under 13 years of age; July 2008 till June 2009) to an intensive care unit at a large regional hospital in Worcester, South Africa. Data collected included: demography, admission time, length of stay, diagnoses, interventions and outcome. Outcome was defined as successful discharge, death or transfer to a central hospital. Results: There were 194 admissions including children and neonates. The files of 185 children and neonates were analysed, while 8 children were excluded due to incomplete data set and one patient was a surgical admission. The male: female ratio was 1.3: 1 and the majority of patients (83%) admitted, were younger than 12 months of age at admission with a mean age of 8.5 months (median age 3.7 months; range 0 to 151 months). The majority (70%) of admissions were successfully discharged, nearly a quarter (24%) transferred to central hospitals in Cape Town and only 6% died (all younger than 5 years of age). Causes of death included acute lower respiratory tract infections (33%), acute gastroenteritis (25%), birth asphyxia complicated by pulmonary hypertension (16%) and prematurity (16%). Patients requiring airway assistance, were more likely to experience an adverse event (p=0.0001) and invasive ventilation was associated with an increased risk for a poor outcome (p=0.00). Conclusion: The majority of children requiring access to a paediatric ICU are younger than one year of age. The common causes of death are acute lower respiratory tract infections, acute gastroenteritis, prematurity and neonatal asphyxia. A regional hospital in South Africa should offer intensive care to children as the majority of their admissions can be successfully cared for without transfer to tertiary hospitals. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting admissions and outcome of neonates and children cared for in a mixed intensive care unit in a large regional hospital in South Africa. This study suggests that large regional hospitals in South Africa should have mixed intensive care units to improve child survival.

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / See the attached abstract below