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Prognosis for infants weighing 1000 g or less at birth
Insights
Neonatal intensive care improved survival rates for infants weighing 1000g or less. Most long-term survivors showed normal development, indicating a better prognosis with available intensive care methods.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Survival Rates
- Infant Health Outcomes
Background:
- Survival rates for infants weighing ≤1000g were historically low.
- Intensive care advancements may impact outcomes for high-risk neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the survival and long-term outcomes of infants weighing ≤1000g.
- To assess the impact of intensive care on prognosis for low birth weight infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 148 infants weighing ≤1000g admitted between 1966-1975.
- Follow-up assessment of long-term survivors' developmental progress.
Main Results:
- Overall neonatal survival was 32% (48/148).
- Neonatal survival for infants ≤750g was 8%, and 41% for those 751-1000g.
- Of 39 long-term survivors, 78% had no abnormalities, 7% major handicaps, and 15% minor handicaps.
Conclusions:
- Intensive care methods significantly improve the prognosis for infants weighing ≤1000g.
- The majority of long-term survivors demonstrate positive developmental outcomes.
- Outcomes for very low birth weight infants have improved compared to previous periods.
Abstract:
During the 10 years 1966-1975, 148 infants weighing less than or equal to 1000 g were admitted to the Neonatal Unit of University College Hospital. 48 (32%) survived the neonatal period. The neonatal survival rate for infants weighing less than or equal to 750 g was 8% and for infants weighing 751-1000 g, 41% 9 infants died later, leaving 39 (26%) long-term survivors, all of whom are being followed-up. The progress of the 27 older children, born in 1966-74 (median birthweight 899 g, range 648-998 g; median gestational age 28 weeks, range 24-35 weeks), was assessed at ages between 15 months and 8 years (median 3 years). No abnormalities were detected in 21 infants (78%): 2 (7%) had major handicaps and 4 (15%) minor handicaps. We conclude that provided intensive care methods are available, the prognosis for infants weighing less than or equal to 1000 g is now better than in the past.