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Erol Amon

Publications and source records attributed to Erol Amon.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Risk factors for neonatal mortality among extremely-low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics associated with neonatal mortality among extremely low-birth-weight infants (< or = 1000 g). STUDY DESIGN: A population-based, case-control study using linked Missouri birth and death certificates from 1989 to 1997 was conducted. Cases (n = 835) were defined as extremely low-birth-weight infants that died within 28 days of birth. Controls (n = 907) were randomly selected from extremely low-birth-weight infants that were alive at 1 year and were frequency matched to subjects by birth year and birth weight. RESULTS: Infants born with severe congenital anomalies and at the youngest gestational ages were at greatest risk for neonatal mortality. Other significant risk factors included maternal age (< 18 and > 34 years), vaginal delivery, nontertiary hospital care, malpresentation, male gender, and small for gestational age. Black race and preeclampsia were protective against early death. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of neonatal mortality among extremely low-birth-weight infants was associated with several maternal, infant, and obstetric factors, some of which may be preventable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Review of the professional medical liability insurance crisis: lessons from Missouri.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to document and generalize the professional liability insurance (PLI) crisis. STUDY DESIGN: Data analysis from physician surveys, Missouri Department of Insurance, and court records. RESULTS: In 2001-2002, many insurers stopped writing new and existing PLI. A survey found 1 in 7 physicians had their PLI terminated and/or application for new insurance denied. Average premiums increased 22% in 2001 and 60% in 2002. Accordingly, 50% of surveyed obstetricians took salary cuts, 18% secured loans, 9% liquidated assets, and 55% significantly limited their clinical services. An adverse court ruling caused insurers to double reserves. Incomplete data led the Missouri Department of Insurance to erroneously conclude a decrease in claim frequency and severity. In contrast, courthouse records and missing data sources revealed increased malpractice filings. PLI premiums continue to rise. CONCLUSION: Many life-saving specialists are being forced out of business. Specialists are less willing to care for emergency and indigent patients for fear of liability exposure. Legislative enactments leading to meaningful tort reform, public support, and judicial restraint must occur to save health care.

Defensive Medicine↗
PubMed2003

Microcephaly: an epidemiologic analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify all risk factors that are associated with microcephaly and to quantify the magnitude of risk that is associated with these factors. STUDY DESIGN: This population-based case-control study used the Missouri Birth Defects Registry to identify 360 microcephaly cases and 3600 control cases during 1993 through 1999. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Significant risk factors for isolated microcephaly include alcohol use, inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, inadequate prenatal care, black race, and low education. Mothers with one previous live birth were protected against isolated microcephaly compared with nulliparous women. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that microcephaly may arise from some preventable factors. These findings may be useful in aiding clinicians, patients, and policymakers in reducing the risk of microcephaly, a source of high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗