Very low birth weight babies: Outcome related to obstetric and neonatal variables

SummaryA chart review of the 108 normal live very low birth weight babies weighing 500–1500 g born between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1986 was performed. Seventy-seven babies (71 per cent) were alive at 28 days. Survival was 68 per cent with birth at 27–28 weeks' gestation and 97 per cent at 29–30 weeks' gestation. The survival was 57 per cent in vaginal cephalic deliveries; 40 per cent in vaginal breech deliveries and 89 per cent in 47 caesarean sections. Factors associated with poor outcome were primigravid status, mothers less than 25 years of age, idiopathic spontaneous preterm labour, diagnosis of 'previability' made before delivery, Apgar score less than 5 at 5 min and bruising at birth. Attendance at the fetal assessment unit, pre-eclampsia, birth weight and gestational age were associated with an improved prognosis. Babies with birth weights between 750 and 1000g and gestational age greater than 26 weeks have a greater than 50 per cent chance of survival. To make informed decisions obstetricia...