History and Funding
SNiP (Survey of Neonates in Pomerania) started in May 2002 as a prospective population-based informed consent survey of neonates. The two principle objectives are to establish a birth registry of all newborns (including stillbirth and fetal death >11+6 weeks) and the collection of biomaterials. This enables scientists to calculate prevalence of newborn morbidity and mortality and to carry out research concerning the epidemiological genetic and environmental contributions as well as epidemiological health service research. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research until July 2007.
Population Coverage
SNiP covers the population of Eastern-Pomerania (~1200 births/a). Population-based since March 2003I. Completeness of the registry in 2003-2005 was 95 %.
Sources of Ascertainment
A team of trained physicians are responsible for the active acquisition of all newborns resident in the study area. All parents from the perinatal centre of the University of Greifswald and two community hospital maternity wards in Wolgast and Anklam are informed about the aim and nature of the study. They are enrolled after they have given written consent.
Exclusion criteria are residency outside the population area, language barriers and children given up for adoption. Detailed data about neonatal health status, pregnancy, medical and family history and socioeconomic status are obtained by a member of the study team via face-to-face interview, questionnaire and medical records. In addition, placental tissues, plasma and DNA samples from cord blood are collected.
A minimal dataset (including malformation data) is recorded for the excluded neonates, non-participants and all stillbirth and early fetal death with gestational age <11+6 weeks. Information about stillbirths is also obtained from pathology reports. Completeness of data collection is validated by regular cross-check with civil registry bureaus and regional birth statistics.
Maximum Age at Diagnosis
In Germany there is no time limitation for termination of pregnancy if there is a medical indication.
Terminations of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly (TOPFA)
In Germany the official definition for stillbirth is a fetal death with a gestational age of >= 20+0 wks and/or a birth weight of >= 500 g. The definition for spontaneous abortion is a fetal death with a gestational age < 20+0 wks.
Stillbirth and Early Fetal Deaths
In Germany the official definition for stillbirth is a fetal death with a gestational age of >= 20+0 wks and/or a birth weight of >= 500 g. The definition for spontaneous abortion is a fetal death with a gestational age < 20+0 wks.
Exposure Data Availability
SNiP collects data about maternal and paternal occupation and drinking and smoking behaviour. From the mother data about drugs in pregnancy as well as regular drugs before pregnancy (e.g. thyroid- hormones) are recorded (ATC-code).
Denominators and Controls Information
Information about non-malformed neonates from the same study population is included.
Address for Further Information
University Childrens Hospital,
Dept. of Neonatology, Soldmannstr. 15,
17487 Greifswald,
Germany
Last updated: October 2006