Outcome of extremely low-birth-weight infants: 1980-1990

Neonatal and follow-up data of infants from the special care nursery whose birth weights were < 750 g, born between 1980 and 1990, were reviewed. There was a 20% relative improvement in the odds of surviving the neonatal period, a 16% improvement in the odds of being discharged and a 19% improvement in the odds of surviving until 2 years of age with each consecutive year. Home oxygen use increased significantly over the study period. The neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants were similar over the 11-year period, with 53% being classified as neurologically normal, with a mean developmental index of 83 at 1 to 2 years of age. We conclude that there has been an improved survival of infants with birth weights < 750 g in our institution, and that the overall incidence of serious neurodevelopmental deficits among survivors has remained stable.