Abstract
The crucial test of the effectiveness of modern neonatal intensive care is outcome for infants weighing 1500 gm or less at birth. Reports indicate decrease in mortality and an apparent decrease in neuropsychiatric disability in the few instances where followup is done. Data from our center also indicate a significant drop in both mortality and morbidity, with better outcome for those born in than for those transferred. But are populations of two decades ago comparable to today's? Do reports include both inborns and transfers then and now? There could be fewer in the under 1500 gm group born today because of better prenatal nutrition and affluence or because of more abortions or greater use of birth control in those young and/or unwed at high risk of having very low birth weight infants. What are the reasons for transfer and when does it take place? Decades ago infants usually survived for 24 hours first. Today, transfer can occur very early, or conversely, where some upgrading of community hospital services has occurred, only after the birth hospital gets into trouble. What is the relationship between outcome and the need for a respirator? to antenatal complications? Who is the examiner at followup and what are the evaluation methods? Data on these points will be presented and credit given to the many individuals who participated in the care and followup of about 110 infants in this weight group cared for from 7/1/75 to 6/30/76.
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Knobloch, H., Malone, A., Stevens, F. et al. PITFALLS IN EVALUATION OF THE NEONATAL ICU. Pediatr Res 11, 379 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00058
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00058
