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The male disadvantage in very low birthweight infants: does it really exist?
S P Verloove-Vanhorick1, D M van Zeben-van der Aa, R A Verwey
1Department of Neonatology/Paediatrics, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Insights
In preterm infants, mortality risk was similar for boys and girls. However, male infants faced a higher risk of handicap, unrelated to lung maturation delays, indicating a significant sex-based disparity in long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Pediatric medicine
- Perinatal epidemiology
Background:
- Preterm birth and very low birthweight (VLBW) pose significant risks to infant health.
- Understanding sex-based differences in outcomes for vulnerable newborns is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research suggests potential sex disparities in neonatal development and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-specific differences in mortality and handicap risks among very preterm and/or VLBW infants.
- To explore potential explanations for observed sex disparities, excluding delayed lung maturation.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide collaborative study was conducted in the Netherlands.
- Perinatal and follow-up data were collected on 1338 liveborn infants born very preterm (less than 32 weeks) and/or VLBW (less than 1500 g).
- Mortality and handicap risks were analyzed, comparing male and female infants.
Main Results:
- The study found similar mortality risks for both male and female infants in the studied cohort.
- A significantly greater risk of handicap was observed in male infants compared to female infants.
- This increased handicap risk in boys could not be attributed to delayed lung maturation, as seen in idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Sex is a significant factor influencing handicap risk in very preterm and/or VLBW infants.
- Male infants experience a higher burden of handicap, independent of respiratory issues.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying biological and environmental factors contributing to sex-based disparities in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Abstract:
In a nationwide collaborative study in the Netherlands, perinatal and follow up data were collected on 1338 liveborn very preterm (less than 32 weeks) and/or very low birthweight (VLBW) infants (less than 1500 g). In this group, the mortality risk was similar for both male and female infants. The handicap risk, however, was significantly greater for boys than for girls. This finding could not be explained as being due to the well-known delay in lung maturation in male infants as in idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome and need of assisted ventilation.