[Neurological follow-up of very low birth weight newborns at the age of two years (1998-1999)].
BACKGROUND
Because of improved obstetric and neonatal care, there is growing interest in the later outcome of very low birth weight newborns.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of very low birth weight newborns and to identify disabilities at the age of 2 years.


METHODS
An observational, follow-up study was performed of neonates with a birth weight of under 1,500 grams born between 1998 and 1999. The follow-up program included pediatric, maturative, neurological, psychological, ophthalmological, and audiological evaluation. Neurosensorial disabilities were classified as mild, moderate, or severe.


RESULTS
One hundred thirty-six very low birth weight newborns were admitted. The survival rate was 77.9 % and 83.9 % completed the follow-up to the age of 2 years. The neurosensorial disability rate was 20.2 %; disability was severe in 9 %, moderate in 1.1 %, and mild in 10.1 %. In patients lost to follow-up, birth weight was higher, gestational age was older, and sonographic findings were more frequently normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Survival in very low birth weight newborns has increased with improved neonatal care. The presence of sequelae was similar to that found in other follow-up studies. A substantial number of patients were lost to follow up, which influenced the disability rates.
Sección de Neonatología. Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. Barcelona. España. 34110aac@comb.es
A
A
Arce Casas
M
M
Iriondo Sanz
J
J
Krauel Vidal
R
R
Jiménez González
J
J
Campistol Plana
P
P
Poo Argüelles
M
M
Ibáñez
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D015996:Survival Rate