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Very low-birth weight infant. I. Influence of place of birth on survival
Insights
Survival rates for very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants are significantly higher when delivered at a specialized perinatal center compared to community hospitals. Comprehensive care at a regional perinatal center improves outcomes for premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Care
- Public Health
Background:
- Premature birth presents significant survival challenges for infants.
- Very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants (500-1,250 gm) are particularly vulnerable.
- The location of delivery may influence VLBW infant survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of birthplace on the survival of very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- To compare survival rates between VLBW infants born at a regional perinatal center and those born at community hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of VLBW infants born between 1977-1979 in an urban county.
- Comparison of survival data from the Ohio State University Regional Perinatal Center (OSU-RPC) versus five other community hospitals.
- Statistical analysis of survival differences.
Main Results:
- Survival rate for VLBW infants at OSU-RPC was 53% (186 infants).
- Survival rate for VLBW infants at community hospitals was 38% (270 infants).
- The difference in survival rates was statistically significant (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Delivery at a specialized perinatal center significantly improves survival for VLBW infants.
- Comprehensive maternal-fetal-neonatal services are crucial for enhancing VLBW infant outcomes.
- Place of birth is a critical factor in VLBW infant survival.
Abstract:
In order to assess the influence of place of birth on the survival of the very low-birth weight (VLBW) infant, premature deliveries that occurred at hospitals located in an urban county were studied. All premature infants born alive during the years 1977 through 1979 whose birth weights ranged from 500 to 1,250 gm were included. The outcome for the VLBW infants born at the Ohio State University Regional Perinatal Center (OSU-RPC) was compared to that for VLBW infants delivered at the other five community hospitals with maternity services. Thirty-eight percent of the 270 VLBW neonates born at the community hospitals and 53% of the 186 VLBW premature infants delivered at the OSU-RPC survived. These differences are statistically significant at the p less than 0.01 level. Delivery at a perinatal center where comprehensive maternal-fetal-neonatal services are available improves survival for the VLBW infant.