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Prognosis of the very low birthweight baby in relation to gender
Insights
Very low birthweight boys face higher mortality and more health issues than girls. These differences persist, with boys showing developmental delays and more neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- The outcomes for very low birthweight neonates are critical.
- Understanding gender-specific differences in neonatal health is essential for targeted care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gender on mortality and morbidity in very low birthweight neonates.
- To compare the short-term and long-term developmental outcomes between male and female neonates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 271 neonates weighing less than 1500 g admitted to King's College Hospital NICU (1980-82).
- Assessment of mortality, postnatal complications, and developmental assessments at 1 and 2 years of age.
Main Results:
- Boys exhibited significantly higher mortality and increased postnatal complications compared to girls.
- Male neonates had a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary interstitial emphysema.
- Surviving boys showed more health problems, lower Apgar scores, and developmental delays, particularly in language and social skills, with over twice the rate of major neurodevelopmental disorders.
Conclusions:
- Gender significantly influences mortality and morbidity in very low birthweight neonates.
- Male neonates require closer monitoring due to higher risks of complications and developmental issues.
- Early identification and intervention for developmental delays in boys are crucial for improved long-term outcomes.
Abstract:
The effects of gender on mortality and morbidity of all neonates weighing less than 1500 g admitted to King's College Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during 1980-82 (n = 271) were examined. Very low birthweight boys had a significantly higher mortality and more postnatal complications than girls. The higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary interstitial emphysema in boys was associated with increased mortality in the first year. Surviving boys had significantly more problems, including lower Apgar scores at five minutes, more frequent apnoeic attacks and bradycardic episodes, transient tachypnoea, neonatal anaemia, and lower blood calcium and phosphate concentrations. Surviving children were followed up at 1 and 2 years of age. Development of boys at 1 year was significantly delayed compared with girls in all fields save locomotor. Although at 2 years some of the differences had diminished, those in language and personal social skills were more pronounced. More than twice as many boys as girls had major neurodevelopmental disorders.