3.3 Medical Advancements and Survivorship

how much did IMR and maternal mortality decline in the years 1915-1997?

IMR-90%, MMR-97%

reasons for reduction

environmental interventions, improvements in nutrition, access to healthcare, increased education, and improvements in standards of living

infant morality

in 1900, up to 30% of infants in the US denied before their first birthday

milestones of infant mortality

1908: milk pasteurization, 1912: children’s bureau formed, 1920: integration of prenatal, natal, and postpartum services, 1940s: antimicrobial agents, safe blood transfusions, fluid replacement therapy, 1960s: medicaid and other federal programs, 1989-1991: artificial pulmonary surfactants, 1991-1997: decline in sudden infant death syndrome

maternal mortality was highest during 1900-1930 due to…

poor obstetric education and delivery practices, home births, inappropriate and excessive surgical interventions, 40% of maternal deaths were caused by sepsis

maternal milestones continued

link between aseptic practice, excessive operative deliveries, and high MMR, decreased mortality by 71%

survivorship curves

types I, II, and III

type I

typical of large mammals like humans, live long lives with low death rates and high survivorship, death rates increase quickly later in life

type II

typical of birds and mice, near constant mortality rate throughout life

type III

typical of small mammals, fish, trees, and invertebrates, high death rates immediately after birth, those that live survive for a long time

percent change formula

new-old/old=100/1