Predictors of mortality and major morbidities in extremely low birth weight neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of mortality and morbidity in extremely low birth weight neonates (ELBW) from a developing country.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

SETTING: Level III neonatal unit in Northern India.

SUBJECTS: Neonates <1000 g born and admitted to intensive care during study period were enrolled. They were analyzed based on survival and development of major morbidity. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine independent risk factors.

OUTCOME: Mortality and major morbidity (one or more of the following: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) requiring laser, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stage III) during hospital stay.

RESULTS: Of 255 ELBW neonates born, 149 received optimal care, of which 78 (52%) survived and 57 (39%) developed morbidities. Mean birth weight and gestational age were 29.1±2.6 weeks and 843±108 g. Major causes of mortality were sepsis (46%), birth asphyxia (20%) and pulmonary hemorrhage (19%). Birth weight <800 g [OR (95% CI)-3.51 (1.39-8.89), P=0.008], mechanical ventilation [4.10 (1.64-10.28), P=0.003] and hypotensive shock [10.75 (4.00-28.89), P<0.001] predicted mortality while birth weight <800 g [3.75 (1.47-9.50), P=0.006], lack of antenatal steroids [2.62 (1.00-6.69), P=0.048), asphyxia [4.11 (1.45-11.69), P=0.008], ventilation [4.38 (1.29-14.79), P=0.017] and duration of oxygen therapy [0.004 (1.001-1.006), P=0.002] were the predictors of major morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight, mechanical ventilation and hypotensive shock predicted mortality in ELBW neonates while low birth weight, lack of antenatal steroids, birth asphyxia, ventilation and duration of oxygen therapy were predictors for major morbidity.