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.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tommiska, V., Heinonen, K., Ikonen, S. et al. SHORT-TERM OUTCOME OF EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS (ELBWI) IN FINLAND 1996-1997. Pediatr Res 45, 922 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199906000-00228
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199906000-00228