Johannesburg Hospital neonatal statistics--1983.
An analysis of Johannesburg Hospital neonatal admissions and deaths is presented for the period 1 January-31 December 1983. Infants weighing less than 1 500 g accounted for 25% of admissions and 47% of deaths. Compared with a previous report, a 68% increase in the admission of neonates weighing less than 1 000 g is shown. This increase probably reflects a more aggressive approach to the treatment of infants in this weight category. Despite a protracted period of hospitalization for survivors and some of those who did not survive, intensive care of the infant of very low birth weight (VLBW) appears to be justified, since: the major causes of death in this group are related to prematurity and are potentially preventable; and preliminary studies of VLBW survivors suggest a favourable outcome.
D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007902:Length of Stay; D010343:Patient Admission; D013019:South Africa; D013223:Statistics as Topic