Five-year outcome of preterm and very low birth weight infants: a comparison between maternal and neonatal transport

To determine the 5-year outcome of very low birth weight infants referred to tertiary perinatal centers.

This study was part of a Dutch national collaborative survey of 1338 newborn infants younger than 32 weeks' gestation and/or with a birth weight of less than 1500 g born in 1983. Comparisons were made between maternal transport to university hospital perinatal centers versus delivery in local hospitals, and between neonatal transport to these centers versus treatment in local hospitals. For the 252 survivors meeting the entry criteria for this part of the study, adverse outcome at 5 years of age was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, including 26 perinatal risk factors as confounding variables. Outcome variables were disabilities and handicaps at 5 years as defined by the World Health Organization.

There were no differences in handicaps and disabilities between infants born after maternal transport and those born in local hospitals. Handicaps and disabilities in neonates transported versus those treated in local hospitals were also not statistically different despite selection bias.

The previously reported decrease in neonatal mortality risk after maternal transfer is not accompanied by an increased risk of adverse outcome for the survivors. In threatening very preterm delivery, maternal transport to a tertiary center is recommended.