MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF INFANTS WEIGHING LESS THAN 1,000 GRAMS IN AN INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY

Abstract

A 5-year experience with 161 infants with birth weights less than 1,000 gm was evaluated to ascertain predictive factors for mortality, cause of morbidity, and status of survivors. There was an overall mortality of 87% which was worse if the initial hematocrit was less than 40%, the blood pressure was less than 40 cm H2O, the Apgar score was low, or if hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was present or assisted ventilation was required. The survival rate was improved by two- to threefold if the Apgar score was greater than 6 and if the infant required no resuscitation. The survival rate was 2 to 3 times normal if rupture of the amniotic membranes preceded labor and if the infant was able to maintain his core temperature. Respiratory difficulties accounted for the highest incidence of morbidity-apnea 84%, HMD 66%. Only two infants of the twenty surviving had definitely abnormal developmental quotients. Intensive care does not appear to have affected survival but may be responsible for an improved outlook for survivors.