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Very preterm birth--a regional study. Part 2: The very preterm infant
R Hagan1, H Benninger, D Chiffings
1Department of Newborn Services, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Australia.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
This study examined very preterm infants (< 33 weeks gestation), finding that growth, delivery management, and mortality varied by the cause of preterm birth. Survival in extremely preterm infants (< 28 weeks) shows improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Perinatal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Very preterm infants (< 33 weeks gestation) represent a significant portion of perinatal mortality.
- Understanding factors influencing their outcomes is crucial for improving neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze growth characteristics, delivery room management, and hospital mortality in very preterm infants.
- To identify differences in outcomes based on the etiological factors of preterm delivery.
Main Methods:
- A cohort analytical study was conducted.
- Data on gestational age, birthweight, birthweight ratio, condition at birth, and mortality were examined.
- Infants were born at King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Western Australia, between 1990 and 1991.
Main Results:
- Of 693 very preterm infants, 14.7% died, with 57.8% of deaths occurring on the first day.
- Factors associated with increased mortality included lower gestation, lower birthweight ratio (small for gestational age), and antepartum hemorrhage.
- Antenatal steroid use was associated with decreased mortality (AOR 0.26).
- Survival in extremely preterm infants (< 28 weeks) is improving compared to other studies.
Conclusions:
- Very preterm birth contributes significantly to perinatal mortality.
- Further research is needed to understand outcome variations based on obstetric complications.
- Ensuring improved survival does not coincide with increased disabilities is essential.