Mortality rates and neonatal intensive care for very small babies

Mortality rates of very small babies (those weighing 1500 g or less) born to mothers normally resident in the 11 health districts of the London portion of the North-east Thames Health Region in 1971-73 and 1975-77 were compared with admission rates to neonatal intensive care units in 1972 and 1976 in the region. There was no significant correlation between mortality and admission rates for babies weighing 1000 g or less during either period. For babies born weighing between 1001 and 1500 g this was also so in 1972. In 1976 however, mortality rates were significantly correlated negatively at 24 hours but not at 28 days with admission rates to neonatal intensive care.