Survival predictors of preterm neonates: Hospital based study in Iran (2010-2011)

Ladan Haghighi1, Marzieh Nojomi2, Behnaz Mohabbatian1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Insights

Neonatal survival for preterm infants is significantly impacted by low birth weight and early gestational age. Key predictors of mortality include birth anomalies, previous fetal deaths, multiple pregnancies, and the need for intensive care and respiratory support.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Perinatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality globally, accounting for a significant percentage of deaths.
  • Risk factors for neonatal mortality vary across different populations, necessitating localized research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the neonatal survival rate of preterm infants in the Iranian population.
  • To identify and define the predictors of neonatal mortality among preterm infants in Iran.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1612 liveborn preterm infants (26-37 weeks gestation).
  • Data collected included fetal-neonatal, maternal, and pregnancy information.
  • Survival analysis was performed to determine viability thresholds and risk factors for mortality.

Main Results:

  • The overall mortality rate was 9.1%.
  • Survival rates were 11.11% for extremely low birth weight infants and 45.12% for very early preterm births.
  • Identified risk factors for mortality included low birth weight, early gestational age, congenital anomalies, previous fetal demise, multiple pregnancies, non-cephalic presentation, need for NICU admission, resuscitation, and surfactant therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal survival is critically influenced by birth weight (especially <1000g) and gestational age (especially <30 weeks).
  • Congenital anomalies, history of fetal demise, multiple pregnancies, and need for NICU admission, resuscitation, and respiratory support are significant predictors of mortality.
Abstract

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