Asturias Region Demonstrates Significant Progress in Reducing Prematurity, Improving Newborn Care
Asturias, a region in northern Spain, has achieved notable advancements in obstetric and perinatal care, leading to a reduction in prematurity rates and improved outcomes for newborns. These improvements, highlighted at the recent Premature Child conference coinciding with World Prematurity Day, showcase a commitment to providing cutting-edge care for vulnerable infants.
Advancements in Neonatal Care Yield Positive Results
The improvements in the Asturian public health system have resulted in newborns arriving in better conditions, thanks to the consolidation of neonatal units in larger hospitals and the adoption of advanced technologies. These changes have demonstrably increased both the survival rates and the long-term developmental prospects for premature babies.
According to data released during the conference, 4,644 births were registered in Asturias in 2024. Of these, 310 were considered premature – representing 6.7% of all births. A subset of these cases, 37 infants, were born before 32 weeks of gestation, categorized as “very premature” and requiring the most intensive care.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Complex Care
The care of premature infants is inherently complex, requiring a highly skilled and multidisciplinary team. This includes not only paediatricians and surgeons, but also specialists in rehabilitation and radiodiagnosis, alongside dedicated nursing staff and auxiliary care technicians.
“The need for resources and the mortality rate are inversely proportional to gestational age,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the critical importance of early intervention and specialized care for the most vulnerable newborns. The immaturity of organs and systems in very premature babies carries significant risks of both short- and long-term complications, placing a substantial emotional, social, and economic burden on families and the healthcare system.
Three Regional Neonatal Units Lead the Way
Asturias has established three key reference neonatal units to address these challenges:
- Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA): Equipped with an intensive care unit boasting 12 positions and an additional 18 intermediate care beds, HUCA provides 24-hour neonatal care for infants of any gestational age and with any pathology.
- Cabueñes University Hospital (CAHU): CAHU features three intensive care positions and offers comprehensive care for neonates across all gestational ages.
- San Agustín Hospital (HUSA): HUSA specializes in the care of premature babies born after 32 weeks of gestation.
These units employ standardized protocols, including advanced respiratory support, personalized nutrition utilizing fortified breast milk, and rigorous measures to prevent infections.
Prioritizing Mother-Child Bonding and Family Support
Beyond medical interventions, the Asturian healthcare system prioritizes the crucial bond between mother and child. Skin-to-skin contact is actively encouraged, and families are granted 24-hour open access to the neonatal units. Recognizing the emotional toll of hospitalization, comprehensive psychological support is also provided to reduce anxiety and stress.
Care extends beyond hospital discharge, with collaboration between primary care teams and early care units working to minimize the long-term consequences of prematurity.
Breast Milk Bank Recognized for Humanizing Healthcare
A particularly notable advancement is the establishment of a breast milk bank, which recently received the VIII Award for the Humanization of Health Care from the Royal Academy of Medicine of the Principality of Asturias. This resource has proven instrumental in reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe and potentially fatal complication affecting very premature infants.
Neonatal care in Asturias stands as a testament to a profound social and human commitment. The Principality continues to invest in improving its services, striving to provide the most vulnerable children with the optimal conditions for development and a high quality of life, solidifying its position as a leading example of healthcare excellence.
Image of Nuria Fernández, Isabel González Fouces, Rocío Allande, and Isabel Prieto – Pictured from left to right: Nuria Fernández, head of the Pediatric Service at the Cabueñes Hospital; Isabel González Fouces, director of the Cabueñes Hospital; Rocío Allande, general director of Care and Socio-Health Coordination, and Isabel Prieto, director of Care and Nursing Management.
