The prognosis for very low birth weight babies in the Highlands of Scotland

One hundred and two admissions of VLBW babies to the Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospital were studied over a six-year period. The neonatal death rate was 53 per cent. Twenty three survivors weighing 1.36 kg. or less were examined at an average age of 3 years 11 months and 22 of these underwent cognitive assessment. All but one had normal or superior I.Q. assessments. Two were regarded as having significant or profound handicap. Possible reasons for the relatively low survival rate, but acceptable handicap rate are discussed.