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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
[Treatment results in children with very low birth weight (less than or equal to 1500 gram)]
Insights
This study analyzed 170 low birthweight neonates, finding a 69.4% survival rate. Respiratory issues were the primary cause of death, impacting long-term outcomes for survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Pediatric Morbidity and Mortality
- Low Birth Weight Neonates
Context:
- Retrospective analysis of 170 neonates admitted to Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis (1976-1979).
- Focus on neonates with birthweight <= 1500 grams.
- Investigated outcomes including survival rates and long-term follow-up.
Purpose:
- To assess morbidity and mortality in low birthweight neonates.
- To identify factors influencing survival, such as birth method and gestational age.
- To evaluate the long-term health status of survivors.
Summary:
- Overall survival rate was 69.4% (118/170).
- Higher survival observed in infants born via caesarean section (84.3%) and small for gestational age infants (83.2%).
- Respiratory problems were most common (82% of cases), necessitating mechanical ventilation in many, and were the leading cause of death.
Impact:
- Follow-up on 92 survivors (1.5-3.5 years) revealed 42 were normal.
- Significant proportion of survivors experienced minor issues (squint, emotional disturbances, minor handicaps), with 9 severely handicapped.
- Highlights the critical need for respiratory support and long-term developmental monitoring in low birthweight infants.
Abstract:
A retrospective study of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period was carried out in 170 neonates of low birthweight (less than or equal to 1500 grams), who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis in Utrecht in the years 1976 to 1979; 118 of them survived (69.4%). The survival of children born by caesarean section (n = 32, 84.3%) and of small for gestational age children (n = 18, 83.2%) was higher than the total survival. Respiratory problems were most frequent (n = 151, in 82 of them mechanical ventilation was necessary) and were the most important cause of death. In 92 of the 118 surviving children (ages 1 1/2-3 1/2 years) a follow up study could be done; 42 were considered normal; 3 children had problems due to congenital malformations; 27 children had minor problems (squint and/or emotional disturbances) which were thought to be related to the neonatal period; 11 children had minor handicaps, 9 were severely handicapped.
