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[Morbidity, mortality and late sequelae in extremely premature infants born in the Hvidovre Hospital, 1985-1991]
1Børneafdelingen, Hvidovre Hospital, København.
Insights
Extreme prematurity affects 3.6 per 1000 births. Neonatal complications significantly impact survival and long-term sequelae in extremely premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Perinatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Study period: 1985-1991 at Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen.
- Focus on infants born before 28 weeks gestational age (extreme prematurity).
- Incidence of extreme prematurity was 3.6 per 1000 births.
Purpose:
- To determine the survival rates and long-term outcomes of extremely premature infants.
- To identify factors influencing survival and sequelae in this vulnerable population.
Summary:
- 80 extremely premature infants were studied.
- 35% died neonatally, 11.3% later in infancy; 54% survived.
- 44% of survivors experienced sequelae like blindness, cerebral palsy, or mental retardation.
- Factors like gender, delivery mode, and birth asphyxia did not significantly affect outcomes.
- Neonatal complications (e.g., PDA, sepsis, NEC, pneumothorax, cerebral hemorrhage) were strongly linked to survival and sequelae.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant mortality and morbidity associated with extreme prematurity.
- Underscores the critical role of neonatal complications in determining infant outcomes.
- Provides data for improving care strategies for extremely premature infants.
Abstract:
In the period 1985 to 1991, 80 infants with gestational age below 28 completed weeks were born at Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen and transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit of the hospital. The incidence of extreme prematurity was 3.6 0/00. Twenty-eight infants died during the neonatal period (35%) and nine infants died later in infancy (11.3%). Forty-three infants (54%) survived. Forty four percent of surviving infants had one or more sequelae related to their prematurity or neonatal complications, mainly blindness or reduced vision, cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Neither gender, mode of delivery or birth asphyxia were important for survival and sequels. Neonatal complications such as patent ductus arteriosus, septicaemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, pneumothorax and cerebral haemorrhages were significantly related to survival and sequelae.