Abstract
In infants 500 g or more born in a Norwegian County (Vestfold) 1970-84 (n= 34756), a significantly declining incidence of low birthweight (500-2499 g) occurred, from 5% 1970-79 to 4.1% 1980-84 (p < 0.01). The decline was stronger for infants 500-1499 g than for infants 1500-2499 g (31% vs. 13%; p < 0.01). Perinatal mortality decreased from 17 to 10.3 ‰ (p < 0.01), and the incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) from 2.8 to 1.7 ‰ (p = 0.07). Low birthweight infants were at increased risk for perinatal death and CP. Thus, 38% of the decline in perinatal mortality and 18.2% of the reduction of CP were attributable to the decline in low birthweight incidence. Changes in distribution of birthweights may be corrected for when quality of perinatal care is to be evaluated. Strategies for prevention of low birth weight may be important for reduction of perinatal mortality and handicaps related to low birthweight.
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Meberg, A. 42 IMPACT OF A DECLINING LOW BIRTHWEIGHT RATE ON PERINATAL MORTALITY AND INCIDENCE OF CEREBRAL PALSY. Pediatr Res 24, 267 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00068
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00068