Abstract 210

Aims: To prospectively study national birth rate, morbidity and mortality of ELBWI.

Subjects: All ELBWI (birthweight < 1000g and gestational age ≥ 22 weeks) born in Finland during the two-year study period.

Results: Of all infants born, 523 (0.4%) were ELBWI with a perinatal mortality of 54%: 170 (32%) were stillborn, 114 (22%) died on day 0-6. Neonatal mortality was 25% (17 infants, ie 3% died on day 7-28) and postneonatal mortality 1.5%. Of the neonatal deaths, 46% occurred during the first 12 h and 83% during the first 4 days. Of the 274 infants surviving 12 h, 76% developed RDS, 23% NEC and 14% IVH grade 3-4. At gestational age 36 wk, 30% needed extra oxygen and 9% had retinopathy grade 3-5, 75% were considered neurologically normal and only 2% were clearly abnormal. Of 174 infants born before 25 gestational wk 23 (13%) survived and of 349 infants born at 25 wk or later 179 (51%) survived.

Conclusion: In ELBWI, intrauterine death is common, death after 1 wk is rare, but neonatal morbidity is considerable. Present treatment does not result in prolonged intensive care with late death. Outcome evaluation should include prenatal mortality.