The Dublin outcome for low birth-weight infants.
This report describes outcomes for all infants with birth weight 501-1750 grams born in the three major maternity hospitals in Dublin between 1.1.90 to 31.12.91. 37,958 mothers delivered 38,498 infants during this period, consisting of approximately 36% of all deliveries in Ireland. 633 (1.6%) of all infants born weighed 501-1750 grms. 102 (16%) were stillborn and 28 of the 531 live born infants had lethal malformations. 30% of women received two or more doses of antenatal steroids before delivery and a highly significant negative correlation occurred between the need for ventilation after birth and antenatal steroids. 56.4% of babies were delivered by caesarean section as compared with 10.8% of the hospital population. Of 503 liveborn infants without lethal malformation. 426 (85%) survived to 28 days and 419 (83%) to discharge home. 15% were growth retarded. 46% of infants were ventilated, mean duration of ventilation was 7 days. 25% of infants had an intraventricular haemorrhage, 10% necrotising enterocolitis and 19% culture proven sepsis. 15% of survivors developed broncho pulmonary dysplasia and 12% retinopathy of prematurity. This paper describes important information for mortality, morbidity and interventions among a large population of low birth weight infants in Ireland and can be used as a basis against which to compare future alterations in practice. It demonstrates a clear benefit for antenatal steroids in decreasing the need for ventilation and the importance of ensuring their utilisation antenatally where possible.
Gorman
W A
WA
National Maternity Hospital, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.
Fallon
M
M
Kelly
M
M
Clarke
T
T
Griffin
E
E
Matthews
T
T
Murphy
J
J
O'Brien
N
N
Sheridan
M
M
D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D012307:Risk Factors