[Quantitative prognosis of mortality in newborn infants treated with artificial respiration]

Among the 5 indexes to estimate the mortality rate of ventilated newborns the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient was elaborated as the best statistical model. By means of the probit method a quantitative estimation regarding mortality prognosis became possible. We could demonstrate that already mean values of the first 6 hours are able to give a very precise prognosis of mortality. Among the variables considered, a reduction of gestational age demonstrated a significant influence on the mortality rate. In contrary diagnoses of respiratory problems showed no influence. An increase in D(Aa)O2 raised mortality rate significantly. Using the D(Aa)O2-model the individual mortality rate for any ventilated newborn within an interval of (0.1) can be given.