Preterm labour and neonatal parameters.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to identify those neonatal factors associated with survival in preterm infants.


METHODS
We examined a population of 457 preterm newborns delivered between 1 January-31 December 1990, with birthweight between < 1000 gr and > 2000 gr, in respect to umbilical pH values, plasmatic glucose values, 5-minute Apgar score and gestational age. Data were abstracted from the maternal intrapartum records and the neonatal records, with specific attention to neonatal parameters.


RESULTS
A positive correlation between birthweight and 5-minute Apgar score, between birthweight, pH and glucose values was noted. No such relationship existed between pH values and 5-minute Apgar score. Within birthweight groups the distribution of neonatal mortality rate was 85.18% in ELBW (Extremely Low Birth Weight) and only 5.26% in LBW (Low Birth Weight).


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of the echographic estimate of the fetal weight must be emphasized, since a birthweight of 1500 gr represents the cut-off for the neonatal morbidity and mortality, and also an accurate clinical evaluation of the risk of preterm labour or pathologies in order to improve the estimate of childbirth timing.
Bresadola
M
M
2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Lo Mastro
F
F
Arena
V
V
Bellaveglia
L
L
Scarpellini
F
F
D001034:Apgar Score; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008403:Mass Screening; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D015996:Survival Rate; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D001786:Blood Glucose