Survival and developmental disability in infants with birth weights of 501 to 800 grams, born between 1979 and 1994

Hospital survival of very-low-birth-weight neonates from 1977 to 2000

OBJECTIVE

To determine patterns of survival for very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight 501 to 1500 g) neonates over 23 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Data for 4873 VLBW neonates born from 1977 to 2000 were divided into five epochs. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Birth weight-specific survival rates were estimated by race and gender for each epoch. Presence of comorbidities and congenital anomalies, delivery mode, and provision of artificial ventilation were investigated to determine whether they could explain observed survival patterns.

RESULTS

From 1977 to 1995, survival increased from 50.2% to 81.0% as the proportion of VLBW neonates receiving artificial ventilation rose from 59.0% to 80.9%. Survival was unchanged between 1990 to 1995 and 1996 to 2000. Black females maintained a survival advantage over the entire study period. Survival improved for neonates with congenital anomalies over time, but had little impact on race/gender survival patterns. Survival patterns also could not be explained by comorbidity status, delivery mode, or access to artificial ventilation.

CONCLUSION

The survival advantage of VLBW black females persists and remains unexplained.

Neurocognitive outcome after very preterm birth

Premature birth is not normal. Very preterm birth results from major disturbance of pregnancy at a time of rapid growth and development. This review looks at outcomes of premature birth at various stages of life with a view to developing and benchmarking perinatal services.

Changes in mortality for extremely low birth weight infants in the 1990s: implications for treatment decisions and resource use

OBJECTIVE

Much has changed in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care over the past decade. High-frequency oscillation, inhaled nitric oxide, and antenatal corticosteroids are now widely available. We wondered how these medical advances had affected both the epidemiology and ethics of life and death for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in the NICU.

METHODS

We identified 1142 ELBW infants (birth weight [BW] < 1000 g) consecutively admitted to our NICU between 1991 and 2001. We abstracted BW, gestational age, survival or death, and length of stay in the NICU. Statistical analyses were performed by using linear regression and 2-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Both increasing BW and later year were significantly associated with improved survival. However, for larger ELBW infants, survival was approximately 90% for the entire decade, and large-scale improvement was hardly possible. For smaller infants, greater improvements were both possible and observed, at least early in the decade. From 1991 to 1997, overall ELBW survival increased steadily (approximately 4% per year). However, from 1997 to 2001, there was no significant improvement in survival for ELBW infants. There was no change in the distribution of deaths accounted for by BW subgroups within the ELBW population from 1991 to 2001. Median length of stay for infants who eventually expired before discharge rose from 2 days in 1991 to 10 days in 2001. As a consequence, during the past decade, the percentage of infants whose outcome was "undeclared" by day of life 4 rose from 10% to 20% for ELBW infants overall and to 33% for infants with BWs of 450 to 700 g. The percentage of ELBW NICU bed-days occupied by nonsurvivors remained very low (approximately 7%) from 1991 to 2001.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Fewer infants in all ELBW subgroups are dying, compared with a decade ago, and the improvement has been most prominent for BWs of 450 to 700 g, at which mortality was and remains to be greatest. 2) This progress seems to have slowed, or even stopped, by the end of the decade. 3) Although most NICU nonsurvivors still expire early, doomed infants are lingering longer. 4) Nonsurvivors continue to occupy a constant (and extremely small) fraction of NICU bed-days.

Early NICU discharge of very low birth weight infants: a critical review and analysis

Early neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge has been advocated for selected preterm infants to reduce both the adverse environment of prolonged hospital stay and to encourage earlier parental involvement by empowering parents to contribute to the ongoing care of their infant, and thereby reducing costs of care. Randomized trials and descriptive experiences of early discharge programs are critically reviewed over the last 30 years, and the key elements necessary for successful early discharge are reviewed and defined. Early discharge is clearly achievable for a large number of infants. Variations in neonatal care practices are reviewed since these variations have been documented to influence NICU stay. Management of apnea of prematurity and feeding practices is documented to significantly influence NICU length of stay, as is timing of discharge based on institutional factors. Developmentally centered care, use of nutritional supplements pre- and postdischarge, hearing screening programs, evaluation for retinopathy of prematurity, evaluation for apnea and bradycardia events, and cardiopulmonary stability while in a car seat all influence timing of discharge. Programs of early hospital discharge with home nursing and neonatologist support have been successful in lowering the length of NICU stay. However, trends in length of stay in NICUs indicate that for infants >750 g at birth over the last decade there have been insignificant reductions in length of hospital stay. Thus, because of the increase in the percentage of low birth weight infants in the US, there remain opportunities to improve on variations in care that will be translated to fewer NICU days in hospitals for selected infants. Several professional guidelines are summarized, and standards of care as related to discharge of premature infants are reviewed.

Survival and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely premature infants born at 23-26 weeks' gestational age at a tertiary center

OBJECTIVE

Long-term outcome, including school-age function, has been infrequently reported in infants born at ages as young as 23-26 weeks' gestation. The objective of this study is to report outcome on a large cohort of these infants to understand better the risks and factors that affect survival and long-term prognosis.

METHODS

Records from 1036 infants who were born between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 2000, were analyzed retrospectively by logistic regression to correlate multiple factors with both survival and long-term outcome. A total of 675 surviving infants were analyzed at a mean age of 47.5 months for developmental outcome. A subset of 147 surviving infants who were born before 1991 were followed through school-age years using the University of Vermont Achenbach Child Behavioral Checklist and Teachers Report Form. Longitudinal follow-up was performed comparing 1-year outcome with school-age performance.

RESULTS

Gestational age and recent year of birth correlated highly with survival. Maternal nonwhite race, female sex, inborn status, surfactant therapy, single gestation, and secondary sepsis also correlated positively with survival. Normal cranial ultrasound results, absence of chronic lung disease, female sex, cesarean delivery, and increased birth weight correlated favorably with long-term outcome. Infants who were born at 23 weeks were more likely to have severe impairments compared with those who were born at 24-26 weeks. Early follow-up identified most subsequent physical impairments but correlated poorly with school-age function.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival continues to improve for infants who are born at extremely early gestational ages, but long-term developmental concerns continue to be prevalent. Early outcomes do not reliably predict school-age performance. Strategies that reduce severe intraventricular hemorrhage and chronic lung disease will likely yield the best chances to improve long-term outlook.

The impact of preterm birth on hospital inpatient admissions and costs during the first 5 years of life

OBJECTIVES

To compare the cumulative use and cost of hospital inpatient services to 5 years of age by individuals divided into 4 subgroups by gestational age at birth.

DESIGN

Costs applied to the hospital service utilization profile of each infant born in 2 areas covered by the Oxford Record Linkage Study during 1970-1993.

SETTING

Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, southern United Kingdom.

SUBJECTS

239 694 individuals divided into 4 subgroups by gestational age at birth: <28 weeks, 28 to 31 weeks, 32 to 36 weeks, >or=37 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Number and duration of hospital admissions during the first 5 years of life and costs, expressed in pound sterling and valued at 1998-1999 prices, of hospital inpatient services.

RESULTS

The total duration of hospital admissions for infants born at <28 and at 28 to 31 gestational weeks was 85 and 16 times that for term infants, respectively, once duration of life had been taken into account. Hospital inpatient service costs were significantly higher for preterm infants than for term infants, with the cost differences persisting throughout infancy and early and mid-childhood. Over the first 5 years of life, the adjusted mean cost difference was estimated at pound 14,614 ( 22,798 US dollars) when infants born at <28 weeks gestational age were compared with term infants and pound 11,958 ( 18,654 US dollars) when infants born at 28 to 31 weeks gestational age were compared with term infants. Independent contributions to total cost came from being born: small for gestational age, a multiple, during the 1970s and early 1980s, to a woman of extreme maternal age or who was hospitalized antenatally, and from experiencing extended survival or childhood disease. However, preterm birth remained the strongest predictor of high cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm birth is a major predictor of how much an individual will cost hospital service providers during the first 5 years of life.

Mortality and neurologic, mental, and psychomotor development at 2 years in infants born less than 27 weeks' gestation: the Leiden follow-up project on prematurity

OBJECTIVE

To determine the outcome of infants with a gestational age (GA) <27 weeks, born in the mid-1990s.

DESIGN

Regional, prospective study; part of the Leiden Follow-Up Project on Prematurity.

SETTING

Three health regions in The Netherlands.

PATIENTS

A total of 266 live born infants (1996/1997) with GA <32 weeks; 46 infants were <27 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Neurologic examination (according to Hempel) and assessment of mental and psychomotor development using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development I, at the corrected age of 2 years.

RESULTS

Mortality was 35% (16 of 46) <27 weeks, compared with 6% (14 of 220) in infants with GA 27 to 32 weeks; withdrawal of treatment in 60% and 43%, respectively. Below 27 weeks mortality was higher after extra-uterine transport and pregnancy induction. Neonatal morbidity was higher in infants <27 weeks compared with infants 27 to 32 weeks. Below 27 weeks postnatal use of dexamethasone and being hospitalized at term were associated with abnormal neurologic outcome; there was a higher incidence in (mild) mental developmental delay compared with the older infants. Adverse outcome (dead or abnormal neurologic, psychomotor, or mental development) in infants 23 to 24, 25, 26, and 27 to 32 weeks GA was, respectively, 92% (11 of 12), 64% (7 of 11), 35% (8 of 23), and 18% (40 of 220).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality and neonatal morbidity were higher in infants with GA <27 weeks compared with infants born between 27 and 32 weeks. The high adverse outcome of infants <25 weeks suggests that one should carefully weigh whether or not to aggressively resuscitate and treat these extremely premature infants.

Visual impairment in children born prematurely from 1972 through 1989

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence and causes of visual impairment in children born prematurely in Finland from 1972 through 1989, and to determine what conditions and factors were associated with its occurrence.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS

All visually impaired individuals from 0 to 17 years of age who had been born at fewer than 37 gestational weeks in Finland from 1972 through 1989 for whom records were available in the Finnish Register of Visual Impairment were eligible for this study.

METHODS

Data in the Finnish Register of Visual Impairment relating to 556 children were supplemented with data from hospital records, and from the Register of Births, the Register of Congenital Malformations, the Finnish Care Register, and the Finnish Cancer Register. Data relating to causes associated with visual impairment in particular were collected. Data relating to the children born prematurely were compared with data relating to children born at full term. The chi-square test (Mantel-Haenszel), the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher exact test, and stepwise logistic regression analysis were used in statistical analysis of the data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity, ophthalmologic diagnoses, associated systemic disease, multiple handicap, gestational age, birth weight, 5-minute Apgar scores, and prenatal, perinatal, and infantile or juvenile disorders or disease and treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-five of the 556 visually impaired children (23%; 11/100000 children less than 18 years of age) had been born preterm. Retinopathy of prematurity, optic atrophy, and cerebral amblyopia were the main diagnoses associated with visual impairment (in 46%, 28%, and 12% of cases, respectively). Sixty-six percent of those born prematurely with visual impairment were also affected by other handicaps (mental, motor, auditory), 54% by cerebral palsy and 36% by epilepsy. Eighty-eight of the 125 children (70%) born preterm with visual impairment were blind. Very low birth weight (<1500 g), young gestational age (fewer than 30 weeks), prenatal infection, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory disorders, asphyxia, and lengthy mechanical ventilation were associated with an increased risk of visual impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Premature birth was a major risk factor of severe visual impairment and blindness in childhood. The visual impairment often was accompanied by cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other motor and mental handicaps. Retinopathy of prematurity, optic atrophy, and cerebral amblyopia were the main diagnoses associated with visual impairment. During the 18 years covered by the study, the increasing incidence of survival of infants born weighing fewer than 1500 g was associated with increasing incidence of blindness.

Prediction of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) in VVLBW infants

BACKGROUND

Long-term growth failure in very very low birth weight (VVLBW) infants is a common complication of extreme prematurity. Critical illnesses create challenges to adequate nutriture.

PURPOSE

To identify predictors of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) in VVLBW infants and to evaluate their nutritional intake and subsequent growth.

STUDY DESIGN

A 4-year retrospective chart review of 221 infants <or=1000 g birth weight and <or=29 weeks gestational age who were admitted within 24 hours of birth, were free of major congenital anomalies and survived at least 7 days. Daily intakes and anthropomorphic data were collected and analyzed. Significant events during hospitalization were documented.

RESULTS

Mean energy and protein intakes during hospitalization did not reach recommendations of 120 kcal/kg/d and 3.0 g/kg/day. In utero growth rates could not be consistently reached or sustained. As expected, BW (as measured by BW percentile score) was highly predictive of EUGR (p<0.001). When the independent effect of other predictors of EUGR was considered, only days of total parenteral nutrition (p<0.001) and HC percentile at return to birth weight (p<0.001) made a significant contribution to the prediction of EUGR, once the effect of BW was taken into account.

Patterns of motor disability in very preterm children

Motor development in very preterm children differs in several important ways from that of children born at full term. Variability is common, although the anatomic and physiologic bases for that variability are often poorly understood. Motor patterns over the first postnatal year may depend on behaviours learned during often long periods of neonatal intensive care. The normal pattern of development may be modified by disturbances of brain function caused both by the interruption of normal brain maturation ex-utero and the superimposition of focal brain injuries following very preterm birth. Abnormal patterns of development over the first year may evolve into clear neuromotor patterns of cerebral palsy or resolve, as "transient dystonias." Cerebral palsy is associated with identified patterns of brain injury secondary to ischaemic or haemorrhagic lesions, perhaps modified by activation of inflammatory cytokines. Cerebral palsy rates have not fallen as might be expected over the past 10 years as survival has improved, perhaps because of increasing survival at low gestations, which is associated with the highest prevalence of cerebral palsy. Children who escape cerebral palsy are also at risk of motor impairments during the school years. The relationship of these impairments to perinatal factors or to neurological progress over the first postnatal year is debated. Neuromotor abnormalities are the most frequent of the "hidden disabilities" among ex-preterm children and are thus frequently associated with poorer cognitive ability and attention deficit disorders. Interventions to prevent cerebral palsy or to reduce these late disabilities in very preterm children are needed.

Economic costs of care in extremely low birthweight infants during the first 2 years of life

OBJECTIVE

To assess the 2-yr costs of extremely low birthweight infants' (ELBWIs; birthweight, < 1000 g) care in relation to birthweight, outcome, and the costs of normal birthweight infants.

DESIGN

Cost data were obtained from care-giving hospitals and by a parental questionnaire. Outcome data from the perinatal and neonatal periods and from the first 2 yrs for both ELBWIs and control infants had been prospectively collected to a national ELBWI register.

PATIENTS

We studied 71 ELBWIs and 60 normal birthweight controls born in Helsinki University Hospital in 1996-1997.

MEASUREMENTS

Collected data comprised costs resulting from care of ELBWIs and normal birthweight control infants and included hospital, outpatient care, medication, rehabilitation, auxiliary means, and travel costs; ancillary costs from daily care; parent's accommodation during hospitalization periods; and loss of earnings during the infant's first 2 yrs.

MAIN RESULTS

The average total 2-yr healthcare cost was 104,635 Euros for surviving ELBWIs and 3,135 Euros for control infants. In ELBWIs, initial hospital costs alone accounted for 64% of total costs; the costs during the first and second postdischarge years accounted for 20% and 13%, respectively. The mean hospital cost of nonsurviving ELBWIs was 19,950 Euros. A normally developed ELBWI had costs 25-fold, a mildly disabled ELBWI had costs 33-fold, and a severely disabled ELBWI had costs 68-fold those of control infants. Birthweight correlated negatively with intensive care costs but did not correlate with costs after initial discharge.

CONCLUSION

Total costs of ELBWIs decreased over time up to the age of 2 yrs, but even in normally developed ELBWIs, costs remained higher than those of normal birthweight infants. Low birthweight seemed to be related to increased initial hospital costs but not to annual costs after the first discharge.

A population-based study of prognostic factors related to major disability in very preterm survivors

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the rates and risk factors for major disability in very preterm survivors born to residents of Nova Scotia, Canada between 1992 and 1996.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort study was conducted of all 355 infants born to Nova Scotia residents between 22 and 30 weeks gestation. Major disability was defined by mental development index <70, moderate or severe cerebral palsy, bilateral visual acuity <20/200, or deafness requiring bilateral hearing aids. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which factors were significantly associated with major disability.

RESULTS

Of the infants who survived 1 year and had follow-up data, 21 (8.3%) developed a major disability. Cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), hypernatremia and surgery requiring general anesthesia were independently associated with the development of a major disability.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the association between cystic PVL and major disability observed in other studies. Surgery and hypernatremia will be important to verify in future studies since preventive measures may be possible.

A national two year follow up study of extremely low birthweight infants born in 1996-1997

OBJECTIVE

To study neurodevelopmental outcome in a two year cohort of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants at 18 months corrected age, to compare the development of the ELBW infant subcohort with that of control children, and to find risk factors associated with unfavourable outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

All 211 surviving ELBW infants (birth weight < 1000 g) born in Finland in 1996-1997 were included in a national survey. The ELBW infants (n = 78) who were born and followed in Helsinki University Hospital belonged to a regional subcohort and were compared with a control group of 75 full term infants. A national follow up programme included neurological, speech, vision, and hearing assessments at 18 months of corrected age. Bayley infant scale assessment was performed on the subcohort and their controls at 24 months of age. Risk factors for unfavourable outcome were estimated using logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cerebral palsy was 11%, of all motor impairments 24%, of ophthalmic abnormalities 23%, and of speech delay 42%. No impairment was found in 42% of children, and 18% were classified as severely impaired. The prevalence of ophthalmic abnormalities decreased with increasing birth weight and gestational age, but the prevalence of other impairments did not. In the subcohort, a positive correlation was found between the date of birth and Bayley scores.

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmic abnormalities decreased with increasing birth weight and gestational age, but no other outcome differences were found between birthweight groups or in surviving ELBW infants born at 22-26 weeks gestation. The prognosis in the regional subcohort seemed to improve during the short study period, but this needs to be confirmed.

Improved outcomes for very low birthweight infants: evidence from New Zealand national population based data

OBJECTIVE

To compare the survival and short term morbidity of all New Zealand very low birthweight (VLBW) infants born in two epochs, 1986 and 1998-1999.

SETTING

All level III and level II neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in New Zealand.

METHODS

In 1986, data were prospectively collected for a study of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In 1998-1999, prospective data were collected by the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN). Both cohorts included all VLBW infants born during the calendar year and admitted to a NICU. Data were collected from birth until discharge home or death.

RESULTS

More VLBW infants were admitted for care in 1998-1999 (n = 1084, 0.96% of livebirths) than in 1986 (n = 413, 0.78% of livebirths; p < 0.001), including a higher proportion of VLBW infants of < 1000 g birth weight (38% v 32% respectively; p < 0.05). Survival to discharge home increased from 81.8% in 1986 to 90.3% in 1998-1999 (p < 0.001). The 1998-1999 cohort had a higher proportion of infants born in a hospital with a level III NICU (87% v 72% in 1986; p < 0.001) and receiving antenatal corticosteroids (80% v 58% in 1986; p < 0.001). In 1998-1999, the incidence of several morbidities had decreased compared with 1986, including oxygen dependency at 28 days (29% v 39% respectively; p = 0.001) and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (16% v 23%; p = 0.002), grade 1 intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (8% v 24%; p < 0.001), grade 2/3 IVH (5% v 11%; p < 0.001), and stage 3/4 ROP for infants < 1000 g (6% v 13%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The outlook for VLBW infants in New Zealand has improved since 1986.

Trends in the prevalence of cerebral palsy in a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To determine trends in the prevalence of congenital cerebral palsy (CP) over a 16-year period for 1-year survivors using a large, population-based surveillance program.

METHODS

We determined birth weight-specific trends in the prevalence of CP in live birth and 1-year survivor cohorts of children in a 5-county metropolitan Atlanta area for the periods from 1975-1977, 1981-1985, and 1986-1991. We ascertained children with CP in metropolitan Atlanta by record review as part of an ongoing developmental disability surveillance program conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Human Resources. A total of 110, 262, and 443 cases of congenital CP were identified for the birth years 1975-1977, 1981-1985, and 1986-1991, respectively. Data were analyzed by birth weight, race, subtypes of CP, and whether the CP existed as an isolated disability or was accompanied by another disability.

RESULTS

There was a modest increase in the overall prevalence of congenital CP from 1.7 to 2.0 per 1000 1-year survivors during the period from 1975-1991. This trend was primarily attributable to a slight increase in CP in infants of normal birth weight--CP rates in moderately low and very low birth weight infants did not show consistent trends. There was an increase in the proportion of children who had CP and no other disabilities that was most apparent in infants of normal birth weight from 17% in 1975-1977 to 39% in 1986-1991. For children weighing <1500 g, the proportion of children with spastic diplegic CP increased over time (7% of cases in 1975-1977, 36% in 1985-1988, and 32% in 1986-1991).

CONCLUSIONS

In the only ongoing population-based study of CP in the United States, there has been a modest increase in the prevalence of CP in 1-year survivors born from 1975-1991. This increase however was seen only in infant survivors of normal birth weight. No change was seen in the trends in CP prevalence in low birth weight and very low birth weight infant based on infant survivors.

Neonatal outcome of infants born at 500 to 800 grams from 1990 through 1998 in a tertiary care center

OBJECTIVE

To assess if there have been changes in survival, demographic data, obstetric features, neonatal morbidity, and short-term neurologic/radiographic/neurosensory outcome of 500- to 800-g infants born in a tertiary care neonatal center from 1990 through 1998.

STUDY DESIGN

Records of all 500- to 800-g infants born at North Shore University Hospital during 1990-1998 were reviewed to determine demographic data, survival by weight and gestational age (GA), obstetric features, neonatal morbidity, and short-term neurologic/radiographic/neurosensory outcome. Newborn infants were grouped into three triennia: 1990-1992, 1993-1995, and 1996-1998 and compared across time.

RESULTS

Of the 173 infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, 112 survived. Improved survival was documented: 40% in 1990-1992, 73% in 1993-1995, and 81% in 1996-1998 (p < 0.0001). Improved survival was also noted in each of the three weight cohorts, as well as in infants < or =26 weeks GA. An increased use of antenatal corticosteroids and increased number of deliveries by cesarean section (C/S) were noted across time. The incidence of 0 to 3 Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 minutes decreased across time. Necrotizing enterocolitis in survivors and expected short-term neurologic/radiographic/neurosensory outcome improved between 1990-1992 and 1996-1998, with a trend toward reduced IVH grade III to IV. The incidence of other neonatal morbidities did not change throughout the time period.

CONCLUSIONS

The data document that survival rates continued to improve for 500- to 800-g infants throughout the 1990s. This was concurrent with an increase in "low-risk, expected normal" infants, increased number of deliveries by C/S, decreased incidence of low Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 minutes, and an increased use of antenatal corticosteroids.

Fear of litigation may increase resuscitation of infants born near the limits of viability

OBJECTIVES

To explore how fear of litigation influences neonatal treatment decisions.

STUDY DESIGN

In a mailed survey, we presented a hypothetical vignette of a premature infant to 1000 neonatologists. We asked them to estimate prognosis, indicate appropriate intervention, and respond to parental treatment requests. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive one of two questionnaires, "litigious" or "nonlitigious," which differed only in the description of the infant's parents.

RESULTS

The response rate was 63.0%. The vast majority of respondents deferred to parental requests rather than adhering to their best judgment. They deferred whether or not parents requested treatment and whether or not parents were described as litigious (P <.0001). Among those respondents who shifted their resuscitation opinion after parental introduction, respondents to the nonlitigious version were more likely to shift their opinion from "treat" to "do not treat" after parental requests to "use your best judgment" (P <.042). The influence of parental litigiousness was primarily seen among neonatologists who thought that the infant's prognosis was dismal (P <.044).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong disposition among neonatologists toward respecting parental wishes. This disposition is stronger when neonatologists are given additional reason to be concerned about litigation.

Parental stress in families of 2 year old extremely low birthweight infants

OBJECTIVE

To compare the parental stress in the families of 2 year old extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants with that in control families, and to compare the stress of mothers with that of fathers.

METHODS

The study population included all parents of ELBW infants (birth weight < 1000 g and gestational age at least 22 gestational weeks) born between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1997 in Helsinki University Hospital and followed at the hospital's neuropaediatric department. The parents of full term, healthy infants born subsequent to each ELBW infant were eligible for the control group. The Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ) translated into Finnish was completed by parents during the neurological assessment visit at 2 years of age.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in total SPSQ or subscale scores when mothers of ELBW infants were compared with control mothers. Nor did the scores of fathers of ELBW infants differ from the scores of control fathers. However, in the comparison of all mothers with all fathers, several differences were found: mothers indicated significantly more distress than fathers with respect to role restriction, incompetence, and spouse relationship problems, and fathers indicated significantly more distress on the social isolation subscale.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that, although the birth of an ELBW infant is a stressful event for parents, most parents seem to have recovered well by the time the child has reached the age of 2. In both control families and those of ELBW infants, the overall stress of mothers seemed to be higher than that of fathers.

Early intervention best practice: collaboration among an NICU, an early intervention program, and an NICU follow-up program

Maryland's PRemature Infant Developmental Enrichment (PRIDE) program is a collaborative endeavor between the University of Maryland Medical Systems (UMMS) and the Baltimore Infants and Toddlers Program (BITP). This article discusses the components of Maryland's PRIDE, the program's implications for nursing, and recommendations for replication.

One-year outcome of auditory-tactile-visual-vestibular intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit: effects of severe prematurity and central nervous system injury

Thirty-seven infants with severe central nervous system injury or extreme prematurity were randomly assigned to a multisensory (auditory-tactile-visual-vestibular) intervention or control group. Intervention began in the hospital at 33 weeks' postconceptional age and continued twice daily in the home until 2 months' corrected age. Mother-infant interactions during feedings were videotaped, and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development were administered. Control mothers stimulated their infants more during feeding, but these significant differences dissipated by 4 months. The presence of periventricular leukomalacia was associated with significantly poorer mental development, regardless of group assignment. Experimental infants tended to exhibit better motor and mental performance and had 23% fewer cerebral palsy diagnoses at 1 year, but these trends were not statistically significant. The type of brain injury was more important in determining 1-year developmental outcome than type of postnatal experience, suggesting that periventricular leukomalacia presents a major challenge for infant development.

Ethical considerations in neonatal resuscitation: clinical and research issues

The recent publication of guidelines for ethical decision making for resuscitation of infants has highlighted the problems inherent in using the currently available data to define those situations in which resuscitation should be or might be withheld or withdrawn. Prior selection criteria for resuscitation, criteria for inclusion into the study group, incomplete resuscitation, gestational age determination, intrauterine growth restriction, subjective assessment of 'poor' outcome, and other factors make setting specific parameters for acting or not acting difficult, if not dangerous, and possibly impossible. Research in neonatal resuscitation poses some potential ethical obstacles, but national and international regulations and guidelines are available to assist investigators in study design.

Screening guidelines for retinopathy of prematurity: the need for revision in extremely low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether significant retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be detected before 31 to 33 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

METHODS

Medical records of all ELBW infants (<1000 g at birth) admitted to our regional perinatal center between April 1995 and January 1999 were reviewed retrospectively. Screening examinations for ROP were routinely performed at 4 to 6 weeks' chronological age (CA) from birth and followed at least every other week. Data were collected for infants who developed ROP. We determined the PMA at which the first screening eye examination demonstrated prethreshold disease and the subsequent examination that showed threshold disease (if it occurred). The percentages of infants who developed prethreshold ROP diagnosed at </=31 weeks' PMA and of those who progressed to threshold ROP before 34 weeks' PMA were determined.

RESULTS

All 258 ELBW infants were screened for ROP. Seventy-eight infants (30%) were diagnosed with prethreshold ROP. Twenty-seven of these infants (35%) progressed to threshold ROP. Ten infants who progressed to threshold ROP were <34 weeks' PMA at the time of this diagnosis. Of these 10 infants, 3 were diagnosed at 31 weeks' PMA, 4 at 32 weeks', and 3 at 33 weeks'.

CONCLUSION

More than 80% of ELBW infants who developed prethreshold disease in this cohort were </=33 weeks' PMA. The joint statement screening option of independently using 31 to 33 weeks' PMA for the first eye examination would have led to a diagnosis of threshold ROP on first examination in as many as 13% (10/78) of our patients. Early identification of prethreshold ROP is important for providing timely intervention in this rapidly progressive disease. Therefore, ELBW infants should receive initial ROP screening using the CA guideline of 4 to 6 weeks rather than the 31- to 33-week postconceptional age guideline.

Antenatal therapies and the developing brain

This chapter presents a review of basic science and human studies of two commonly used pharmacologic agents (antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate), in pregnancies at risk of preterm delivery, and examines the effects of these therapies on the developing brain. Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are known to be at risk of both short-term and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae; therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of antenatal therapies on the immature brain and potential effects on long-term outcome are critical. Although the short-term beneficial effects of a single course of antenatal steroids are well documented, the experimental animal literature suggests detrimental effects on neurodevelopment of multiple doses. In addition, clinical studies of repeat doses suggest a negative impact on head and brain growth. The animal and human data on the effects of MgSO(4)are also mixed with both beneficial effects or no effects on neurodevelopment. This review will discuss the potential impact of single versus multiple doses and timing of doses on the brain.

Nursery survival for infants of birth weight 500-1500 grams during 1982-1995

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate nursery survival of very low birth weight infants (VLBW) over time, born in the same large inner-city hospital with a predominantly Hispanic population.

METHODS

All liveborn VLBW infants weighing 500-1500 g at birth were included in four time periods of 2 years' duration during 1982 to 1995. Demographics were collected for the obstetric population. Clinical data were collected including maternal and infant perinatal factors. All infants were assigned a cause of death and infants dying with lethal anomalies were then excluded from further evaluations.

RESULTS

Overall survival improved progressively (p = 0.0001) with dramatic improvement in survival of infants 500-750 g birth weight (BW) in period 4 (1994-1995). The number of lethal anomalies did not increase but accounted for a larger portion of deaths in period 4. Decreases in other causes of death over time reflected changes in perinatal care. Although the mothers were high-risk, none of the maternal factors evaluated showed any consistent effect on infant survival. Improved labor and delivery care was associated with improvement in Apgar scores, a decrease in intracranial hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage as a cause of death and an improvement in survival between the first two periods. In spite of the increase in Cesarean sections for infants of 500-750 g BW and their improved survival in period 4, no clear advantage for Cesarean section could be demonstrated. The marked improvement seen in period 4 was associated with three changes in care: increased use of maternal steroids, administration of surfactant, and the use of newer ventilatory methods including high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Although female gender has been reported to confer a protective influence for survival, this was not found in the final period. Black mothers comprised only about 2.5% of the total obstetric population but delivered approximately 10% of the VLBW infants. Despite the increased incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) among black infants, there were no differences in survival between blacks and Hispanics. Mean birth weight and gestational age in both survivors and nonsurvivors decreased significantly over the four time periods. In period 4, 50% survival occurred at a birth weight of 600-700 g and a gestational age of 23 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Nursery survival improved throughout the period of the study from 1982 to 1995 but especially during period 4 (1994-1995). Improved survival was associated with changes in both maternal and infant care. In infants of BW 500-750 g, gestational age rather than birth weight was more closely associated with survival.

A national short-term follow-Up study of extremely low birth weight infants born in Finland in 1996-1997

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this prospective nationwide investigation were to establish the birth rate, mortality, and morbidity of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in Finland in 1996-1997, and to analyze risk factors associated with poor outcome.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

The study population included all stillborn and live-born ELBW infants (birth weight: <1000 g; gestational age: at least 22 gestational weeks [GWs]), born in Finland between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1997. Surviving infants were followed until discharge or to the age corresponding with 40 GWs. National ELBW infant register data with 101 prenatal and postnatal variables were used to calculate the mortality and morbidity rates. A total of 32 variables were included in risk factor analysis. The risk factors for death and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of the live-born infants as well as for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and oxygen dependency of the surviving infants were analyzed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 529 ELBW infants (.4% of all newborn infants) were born during the 2-year study. The perinatal mortality of ELBW infants was 55% and accounted for 39% of all perinatal deaths. Of all ELBW infants, 34% were stillborn, 21% died on days 0 through 6, and 3% on days 7 though 28. Neonatal mortality was 38% and postneonatal mortality was 2%. Of the infants who were alive at the age of 4 days, 88% survived. In infants surviving >12 hours, the overall incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was 76%; of blood culture-positive septicemia, 22%; of IVH grades II through IV, 20%; and of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with bowel perforation, 9%. The rate of IVH grades II through IV and NEC with bowel perforation decreased with increasing gestational age, but the incidence of RDS did not differ significantly between GWs 24 to 29. A total of 5 infants (2%) needed a shunt operation because of posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. Two hundred eleven ELBW infants (40% of all and 60% of live-born infants) survived until discharge or to the age corresponding with 40 GWs. The oxygen dependency rate at the age corresponding to 36 GWs was 39%, and 9% had ROP stage III-V. Neurological status was considered completely normal in 74% of the surviving infants. The proportions of infants born at 22 to 23, 24 to 25, 26 to 27, and 28 to 29 GWs with at least one disability (ROP, oxygen dependency, or abnormal neurological status) at the age corresponding to 36 GWs were 100%, 62%, 51%, and 45%, respectively. Birth weight <600 g and gestational age <25 GWs were the independent risks for death and short-term disability. The primary risk factor for IVH grades II through IV was RDS. Low 5-minute Apgar scores predicted poor prognosis, ie, death or IVH, and antenatal steroid treatment to mothers with threatening premature labor seemed to protect infants against these. Some differences were found in the mortality rates between the 5 university hospital districts: neonatal mortality was significantly lower (25% vs 44%) in one university hospital area and notably higher (53% vs 34%) in another area. Furthermore, significant differences were also found in morbidity, ie, oxygen dependency and ROP rates. Differences in perinatal (79% vs 45%) and neonatal (59% vs 32%) mortality rates were found between secondary and tertiary level hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that even with modern perinatal technology and care, intrauterine and early deaths of ELBW infants are common. The outcome of infants born at 22 to 23 GWs was unfavorable, but the prognosis improved rapidly with increasing maturity. The clear regional and hospital level differences detected in survival rates and in short-term outcome of ELBW infants emphasizes that the mortality and morbidity rates should be continuously followed and that differences should be evaluated in perinatal audit procedures. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

The EPICure study: outcomes to discharge from hospital for infants born at the threshold of viability

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome for all infants born before 26 weeks of gestation in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This report is of survival and complications up until discharge from hospital.

METHODOLOGY

A prospective observational study of all births between March 1, 1995 and December 31, 1995 from 20 to 25 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

A total of 4004 births were recorded, and 811 infants were admitted for intensive care. Overall survival was 39% (n = 314). Male sex, no reported chorioamnionitis, no antenatal steroids, persistent bradycardia at 5 minutes, hypothermia, and high Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) score were all independently associated with death. Of the survivors, 17% had parenchymal cysts and/or hydrocephalus, 14% received treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and 51% needed supplementary oxygen at the expected date of delivery. Failure to administer antenatal steroids and postnatal transfer for intensive care within 24 hours of birth were predictive of major scan abnormality; lower gestation was predictive of severe ROP, while being born to a black mother was protective. Being of lower gestation, male sex, tocolysis, low maternal age, neonatal hypothermia, a high CRIB score, and surfactant therapy were all predictive of oxygen dependency. Intensive care was provided in 137 units, only 8 of which had >5 survivors. There was no difference in survival between institutions when divided into quintiles based on their numbers of extremely preterm births or admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides outcome data for this geographically defined cohort; survival and neonatal morbidity are consistent with previous data from the United Kingdom and facilitate comparison with other geographically based data.

Estimation of neonatal outcome and perinatal therapy use

OBJECTIVES

To learn whether US obstetricians and pediatricians accurately estimate rates of survival and freedom from handicap in preterm infants and to learn whether their knowledge and attitudes influence their choice of interventions that may enhance survival.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of obstetricians and pediatricians practicing in the United States was performed using a pretested questionnaire designed to identify their knowledge regarding survival and handicap-free rates of infants born at 23 to 36 weeks of gestation. At each week of gestation, they were asked whether they would provide specific therapeutic interventions to either the expectant mother or infant. Survival and handicap-free rates were compared with published national rates. Obstetricians and pediatricians were divided into an optimists group and a pessimists group, based on their estimates of survival. The rates at which each group used therapeutic interventions were compared.

RESULTS

Both obstetricians and pediatricians underestimated survival rates from 24 through 35 weeks of gestation and freedom from serious handicap from 23 through 36 weeks of gestation. On the average, optimists accurately predicted neonatal survival. Obstetricians who underestimated neonatal survival would less often administer antenatal corticosteroids, perform a cesarean section for fetal distress, and transfer a mother to a tertiary center. Pediatricians who underestimated neonatal survival would less often use mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, inotropes, intravenous fluids, thermal support, and oxygen supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Physicians underestimate survival and freedom from handicap in preterm infants. Underestimation of outcome is associated with restriction in the use of appropriate interventions.

Outcomes of children of extremely low birthweight and gestational age in the 1990s

Advances in perinatal care have improved the chances for survival of extremely low birthweight (<800 grams) and gestational age (<26 weeks) infants. A review of the world literature reveals that among regional populations, survival at 23 weeks' gestation ranges from 2 to 35%, at 24 weeks' gestation 17 to 62% and at 25 weeks' gestation 35 to 72%. These wide variations may be accounted for by differences in population descriptors, in the criteria used for starting or withdrawing treatment, in the reported duration of survival and differences in care. Major neonatal morbidity increases with decreasing gestational age and birthweight. At 23 weeks' gestation, chronic lung disease occurs in 57 to 86% of survivors, at 24 weeks in 33 to 89% and at 25 weeks' gestation in 16 to 71% of survivors. The rates of severe cerebral ultrasound abnormality range from 10 to 83% at 23 weeks' gestation, 9 to 64% at 24 weeks and 7 to 22% at 25 weeks' gestation Of 77 survivors at 23 weeks' gestation, 26 (34%) have severe disability (defined as subnormal cognitive function, cerebral palsy, blindness and/or deafness). At 24 weeks' gestation, the rates of severe neurodevelopmental disability range from 22 to 45%, and at 25 weeks' gestation 12 to 35%. When compared with children born prior to the 1990s, the rates of neurodevelopmental disability have, in general, remained unchanged. We conclude that, with current methods of care, the limits of viability have been reached. The continuing toll of major neonatal morbidity and neurodevelopmental handicap are of serious concern.

'They have to show that they can make it': vitality as a criterion for the prognosis of premature infants

In this article, the vitality of premature infants will be described and discussed. Vitality was one of the main factors in a grounded theory study in which the aim was to generate knowledge concerning the ethical decision-making processes with which nurses and physicians are faced in a neonatal unit. Which assessments underlie decisions about whether to start, continue or stop medical treatment of very sick premature babies? A descriptive study design, including 120 hours of field observations and 22 qualitative in-depth interviews with doctors and nurses, was chosen. Strauss and Glaser's comparative method was used to analyse the field observations and interviews. The findings indicate that life-and-death decisions are somewhat ambivalent; experience does not always make them easier. In situations of ambiguity, decisions also seem to be based upon the vitality of the babies concerned.

Randomized placebo-controlled trial of a 42-day tapering course of dexamethasone to reduce the duration of ventilator dependency in very low birth weight infants: outcome of study participants at 1-year adjusted age

OBJECTIVE

Ventilator-dependent preterm infants are often treated with a prolonged tapering course of dexamethasone to decrease the risk and severity of chronic lung disease. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of this therapy on developmental outcome at 1 year of age.

METHODS

Study participants were 118 very low birth weight infants who, at 15 to 25 days of life, were not weaning from assisted ventilation and were then enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of a 42-day tapering course of dexamethasone. Infants were examined at 1 year of age, adjusted for prematurity, by a pediatrician and a child psychologist. A physical and neurologic examination was performed, and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development were administered. All examiners were blind to treatment group.

RESULTS

Groups were similar in terms of birth weight, gestational age, gender, and race. A higher percentage of dexamethasone recipients had major intracranial abnormalities diagnosed by ultrasonography (21% vs 11%). Group differences were not found for Bayley Mental Development Index (median [range] for dexamethasone-treated group, 94 [50-123]; for placebo group, 90 [28-117]) or Psychomotor Development Index Index (median [range]) for dexamethasone-treated group, 78 (50-109); for placebo-treated group, 81 [28-117]). More dexamethasone-treated infants had cerebral palsy (25% vs 7%) and abnormal neurologic examination findings (45% vs 16%). In stratified analyses, adjusted for major cranial ultrasound abnormalities, these associations persisted (OR values for cerebral palsy, 5.3; 95% CI: 1.3-21.4; OR values for neurologic abnormality 3.6; 95% CI: 1.2-11.0).

CONCLUSIONS

A 42-day tapering course of dexamethasone was associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy. Possible explanations include an adverse effect of this therapy on brain development and/or improved survival of infants who either already have neurologic injury or who are at increased risk for such injury.

Developmental intervention for preterm infants diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia

Preterm infants with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) were evaluated to determine whether multi-sensory stimulation is safe and to assess whether it improved neurobehavior and neurodevelopment. Thirty preterm infants with documented PVL were randomly assigned to control (n= 15) or experimental (Group E) (n= 15) groups at 33 weeks post-conceptional age. Group E infants received 15 minutes of auditory, tactile, visual, and vestibular (ATVV) intervention twice a day, five days a week, for four weeks during hospitalization. Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated that Group E infants experienced significant increases in heart and respiratory rate and a 0.72% drop in hemoglobin saturation, coinciding with a significant behavioral state shift from sleep to alertness during intervention. No differences were identified in neurobehavioral function and neurodevelopment, indicating that Group E suffered no injury. Group E had an average hospital stay nine days shorter than that of controls, with the associated cost savings of $213,840. The earlier hospital discharge indicates that ATVV intervention promotes alertness without compromising physiologic status in vulnerable infants.

Outcomes of children of extremely low birthweight and gestational age in the 1990's

Advances in perinatal care have improved the chances for survival of extremely low birthweight (< 800 g) and gestational age (< 26 weeks) infants. A review of the world literature and our own experience reveals that at 23 weeks gestation survival ranges from 2% to 35%. At 24 weeks gestation the range is 17% to 58%, and at 25 weeks gestation 35% to 85%. Differences in population descriptors, in the initiation and withdrawal of treatment and the duration of survival considered may account for the wide variations in the reported ranges of survival. Major neonatal morbidity increases with decreasing gestational age and birthweight. The rates of severe cerebral ultrasound abnormality range at 23 weeks gestation from 10% to 83%, at 24 weeks from 17% to 64% and at 25 weeks gestation from 10% to 22%. At 23 weeks gestation, chronic lung disease occurs in 57% to 70% of survivors, at 24 weeks in 33% to 89%, and at 25 weeks gestation in 16% to 71% of survivors. When compared to children born prior to the 1990's, the rates of neurodevelopmental disability have, in general, remained unchanged. Of 30 survivors reported at 23 weeks gestation nine (30%) are severely disabled. At 24 weeks gestation the rates of severe neurodevelopmental disability (including subnormal cognitive function, cerebral palsy, blindness and deafness) range from 17% to 45%, and at 25 weeks gestation 12% to 35% are similarly affected. In Cleveland, Ohio, we compared the outcomes of 114 children with birthweight 500-749 g born 1990-1992 to 112 infants born 1993-1995. Twenty month survival was similar (43% vs 38%). The use of antenatal and postnatal steroids increased (10% vs 54% and 43% vs 84%, respectively, P< 0.001), however the rates of chronic lung disease increased from 41% to 63% (P = 0.06). There was a significant increase in the rate of subnormal cognitive function at 20 months corrected age (20% vs 48%, P < 0.02) and a trend to an increase in the rate of cerebral palsy (10% vs 16%) and neurodevelopmental impairment. We conclude that, with current methods of care, the limits of viability have been reached. The continuing toll of major neonatal morbidity and neurodevelopmental handicap are of serious concern.

Brain injury in the premature infant: overview of clinical aspects, neuropathology, and pathogenesis

Brain injury in the premature infant is an extremely important problem, in part because of the large absolute number of infants affected yearly. The two principal brain lesions that underlie the neurological manifestations subsequently observed in premature infants are periventricular hemorrhagic infarction and periventricular leukomalacia. The emphases of this article are the neurology, neuropathology, and pathogenesis of these two lesions. Recent work suggests that the ultimate goal, prevention of the lesions, is potentially achievable. Periventricular hemorrhagic infarction may be preventable by prevention of germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia, by detection of impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation, prevention of impaired cerebral blood flow, and interruption of the cascade to oligodendroglial cell death by such agents as free-radical scavengers.

Partial transsection of the neonatal trachea

This report describes an unusual case of partial transsection of the neonatal trachea after intubation. Mucosal injury led to the formation of a balloon-shaped, air-filled cyst that did not allow ventilation of the airways either via a tracheal tube or with a face mask. Several minutes after death, the cyst had collapsed and bag and mask ventilation produced adequate chest movements.

Advances in neonatal care and surgery

Neonatology has seen many advances over the past decade. Exogenous surfactant therapy is now a mainstay treatment for respiratory distress syndrome. Partial liquid ventilation, high-frequency ventilation, and inhaled nitric oxide are all relatively new modalities, which have enabled neonatologists to treat with varying degrees of success ever younger and smaller patients. The purpose of this review is to examine studies regarding the long-term outcome of high-risk neonates, the various treatment modalities, and current neonatal surgical techniques, all of which will influence our care of the neonate.