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Biomedical subjects

E F Donovan

Publications and source records attributed to E F Donovan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Adverse effects of early dexamethasone treatment in extremely-low-birth-weight infants. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.

BACKGROUND: Early administration of high doses of dexamethasone may reduce the risk of chronic lung disease in premature infants but can cause complications. Whether moderate doses would be as effective but safer is not known. METHODS: We randomly assigned 220 infants with a birth weight of 501 to 1000 g who were treated with mechanical ventilation within 12 hours after birth to receive dexamethasone or placebo with either routine ventilatory support or permissive hypercapnia. The dexamethasone was administered within 24 hours after birth at a dose of 0.15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for three days, followed by a tapering of the dose over a period of seven days. The primary outcome was death or chronic lung disease at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. RESULTS: The relative risk of death or chronic lung disease in the dexamethasone-treated infants, as compared with those who received placebo, was 0.9 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.1). Since the effect of dexamethasone treatment did not vary according to the ventilatory approach, the two dexamethasone groups and the two placebo groups were combined. The infants in the dexamethasone group were less likely than those in the placebo group to be receiving oxygen supplementation 28 days after birth (P=0.004) or open-label dexamethasone (P=0.01), were more likely to have hypertension (P<0.001), and were more likely to be receiving insulin treatment for hyperglycemia (P=0.02). During the first 14 days, spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation occurred in a larger proportion of infants in the dexamethasone group (13 percent, vs. 4 percent in the placebo group; P=0.02). The dexamethasone-treated infants had a lower weight (P=0.02) and a smaller head circumference (P=0.04) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants, early administration of dexamethasone at a moderate dose has no effect on death or chronic lung disease and is associated with gastrointestinal perforation and decreased growth.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2001

Does the combined antenatal use of corticosteroids and antibiotics increase late-onset neonatal sepsis in the very low birth weight infant?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combined use of maternal antenatal corticosteroids and antibiotic therapy is associated with an increased risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis among very low birth weight infants. STUDY DESIGN: The outcomes of infants admitted to the 3 Cincinnati neonatal intensive care units between May 1991 and May 2000 were retrospectively evaluated. Late-onset neonatal sepsis was defined either as the occurrence of a positive blood culture obtained after 72 hours of life with clinical signs of sepsis or as the need for >5 consecutive days of antibiotic therapy for presumed sepsis that initiated after 72 hours of life. Wilcoxon rank sum, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Among the parturients delivering the study infants, 434 women (24%) received corticosteroids only, 175 women (9%) received antibiotics only, 819 women (46%) received both corticosteroids and antibiotics, and 370 women (20%) received neither corticosteroids nor antibiotics. Among 1978 study infants, there were 732 infants (41%) with late-onset neonatal sepsis. By univariate analysis, the odds ratio for late-onset neonatal sepsis caused by combined corticosteroid and antibiotic use was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.89%, 1.04%). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of combined corticosteroids and antibiotic use after controlling for potential covariates and confounders. After controlling for outborn birth (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0%-1.8%), increasing gestational age at delivery (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.60%-0.66%), interaction between white race and male gender (P =.01) and interaction between antibiotics and prolonged rupture of membranes (P =.02), the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics was not associated with an increased risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis (P =.9). CONCLUSION: The combined use of maternal corticosteroids and antibiotic therapy is not associated with an increased risk for late-onset neonatal sepsis.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2001

Very low birth weight outcomes of the National Institute of Child health and human development neonatal research network, January 1995 through December 1996. NICHD Neonatal Research Network.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the mortality and morbidity for infants weighing 401 to 1500 g (very low birth weight [VLBW]) at birth by gestational age, birth weight, and gender. STUDY DESIGN: Perinatal data were collected prospectively on an inborn cohort from January 1995 through December 1996 by 14 participating centers of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network and were compared with the corresponding data from previous reports. Sociodemographic factors, perinatal events, and the neonatal course to 120 days of life, discharge, or death were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty four percent of 4438 infants weighing 501 to 1500 g at birth survived until discharge to home or to a long-term care facility (compared with 80% in 1991 and 74% in 1988). Survival to discharge was 54% for infants 501 to 750 g at birth, 86% for those 751 to 1000 g, 94% for those 1001 to 1250 g, and 97% for those 1251 to 1500g. The incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD; defined as receiving supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age; 23%), proven necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC; 7%), and severe intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; grade III or IV; 11%) remained unchanged between 1991 and 1996. Furthermore, 97% of all VLBW infants and 99% of infants weighing <1000 g at birth had weights less than the 10th percentile at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Mortality for 195 infants weighing 401 to 500 g was 89%, with nearly all survivors developing CLD. Mortality in infants weighing 501 to 600 g was 71%; among survivors, 62% had CLD, 35% had severe ICH, and 15% had proven NEC. CONCLUSIONS: Survival for infants between 501 and 1500 g at birth continued to improve, particularly for infants weighing <1000 g at birth. This improvement in survival was not associated with an increase in major morbidities, because the incidence of CLD, proven NEC, and severe ICH did not change. However, poor postnatal growth remains a major concern, occurring in 99% of infants weighing <1000 g at birth. Mortality and major morbidity (CLD, severe ICH, and NEC) remain high for the smallest infants, particularly those weighing <600 g at birth.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of early erythropoietin therapy on the transfusion requirements of preterm infants below 1250 grams birth weight: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Infants of </=1250 g birth weight receive multiple erythrocyte transfusions during their hospitalization. We hypothesized that early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would 1) decrease the number of transfusions received (infants 401-1000 g birth weight; trial 1) and 2) decrease the percentage of infants who received any transfusions (1001-1250 g birth weight; trial 2). METHODS: A total of 172 infants in trial 1 and 118 infants in trial 2 were randomized to treatment (Epo, 400 U/kg 3 times weekly) or placebo/control. Therapy was initiated by 4 days after birth and continued through the 35th postmenstrual week. All infants received supplemental parenteral and enteral iron. Complete blood and reticulocyte counts were measured weekly, and ferritin concentrations were measured monthly. Transfusions were administered according to protocol. Phlebotomy losses and transfusion data were recorded. RESULTS: Treated and placebo/control infants in trial 1 received a similar number of transfusions (4.3 +/- 3.6 vs 5.2 +/- 4.2, respectively). A similar percentage of treated and control infants in trial 2 received at least 1 transfusion (37% vs 46%). Reticulocyte counts were higher in treated infants during each week of the study in both trials. Hematocrits were higher among treated infants from week 2 on in both trials. Ferritin concentrations were higher in placebo/controls than in treated infants at weeks 4 and 8 in trial 1 and at week 4 in trial 2. No adverse effects of Epo or supplemental iron occurred. CONCLUSION: The combination of early Epo and iron as administered in this study stimulated erythropoiesis in infants who were </=1250 g at birth. However, the lack of impact on transfusion requirements fails to support routine use of early Epo.neonate, intravenous iron, donor exposure.

Anemia, Neonatal↗
PubMed2000

Multiple births and outcome.

The rate of multiple-gestation pregnancies has grown exponentially over the last few decades and is responsible for the steady increase in the birth rate of low-birth weight infants. As a group, infants of multiple-gestation pregnancies have higher mortality and morbidity than singleton pregnancies. The increase in adverse outcomes is related directly to the increased risk for preterm delivery and low-birth weight, and not to the multiple gestation itself. Outcomes for multiple-gestation infants appear to be similar whether conceived spontaneously or through artificial reproductive technology. Efforts to reduce the birth rate of low-birth weight infants should target multiple-gestation pregnancies.

Birth Rate↗
PubMed2000

Maturation of thermal capabilities in preterm infants.

Very low-birth-weight infants (VLBW) may initially require environmental temperatures higher than skin temperature. We examined the correlation between gestational age, birth weight, and the time to reach skin-air temperature equilibration (TTE) in VLBW infants. We also examined the effect of antenatal steroids on TTE in infants with birth weight < 1000 g. There is a significant exponential correlation between TTE and birth weight or gestational age (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in TTE in infants who were treated antenatally with steroids, as compared with infants who were not treated. Multiple regression analysis with TTE as the dependent variable and birth weight or gestational age, race, betamethasone treatment, and gender as the independent variables showed a significant correlation between gestational age and TTE (p = 0.04). We conclude that thermal capabilities are exponentially correlated with gestational age or birth weight.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2000

Prenatal care and infant emergency department use.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between mothers' use of prenatal care and pediatric emergency department (ED) use by their infants in the first 3 months of life. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cohort-control study of well, full-term infants who use a children's hospital ED. Using logistic regression, the likelihood of an emergency visit in the first 3 months of life was compared between infants of women with fewer than two prenatal visits and infants of women with two or more prenatal visits. Covariates were maternal age, race, substance abuse history, parity, infant birth weight, insurance status, and distance from the ED. RESULTS: The odds of an ED visit before age 3 months by infants of mothers with less than two prenatal visits was 29% lower than the comparison group. ED use was increased by proximity, Medicaid or no health insurance and younger maternal age. Seventy percent (70%) of visits by both cohorts were classified as unjustified. The odds of making an unjustified ED visit were increased by younger maternal age and proximity to the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: Women with poor prenatal care are less likely to seek ED care for their young infants. Although suboptimal prenatal care is associated with negative health outcomes, it is not known whether fewer infant ED visits are similarly deleterious.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Sex differences in outcomes of very low birthweight infants: the newborn male disadvantage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in short term outcome of very low birthweight infants attributable to sex. METHODS: Boys and girls weighing 501-1500 g admitted to the 12 centres of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network were compared. Maternal information and perinatal data were collected from hospital records. Infant outcome was recorded at discharge, at 120 days of age if the infant was still in hospital, or at death. Best obstetric estimate based on the last menstrual period, standard obstetric factors, and ultrasound were used to assign gestational age in completed weeks. Data were collected on a cohort that included 3356 boys and 3382 girls, representing all inborn births from 1 May 1991 to 31 December 1993. RESULTS: Mortality for boys was 22% and that for girls 15%. The prenatal and perinatal data indicate few differences between the sex groups, except that boys were less likely to have been exposed to antenatal steroids (odds ratio (OR) = 0.80) and were less stable after birth, as reflected in a higher percentage with lower Apgar scores at one and five minutes and the need for physical and pharmacological assistance. In particular, boys were more likely to have been intubated (OR = 1.16) and to have received resuscitation medication (OR = 1.40). Boys had a higher risk (OR > 1.00) for most adverse neonatal outcomes. Although pulmonary morbidity predominated, intracranial haemorrhage and urinary tract infection were also more common. CONCLUSIONS: Relative differences in short term morbidity and mortality persist between the sexes.

Apgar Score↗
PubMed2000

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in the era before nitric oxide: practice variation and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: In the era before widespread use of inhaled nitric oxide, to determine the prevalence of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in a multicenter cohort, demographic descriptors of the population, treatments used, the outcomes of those treatments, and variation in practice among centers. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 385 neonates who received >/=50% inspired oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation and had documented evidence of PPHN (2D echocardiogram or preductal or postductal oxygen difference) were tracked from admission at 12 Level III neonatal intensive care units. Demographics, treatments, and outcomes were documented. RESULTS: The prevalence of PPHN was 1.9 per 1000 live births (based on 71 558 inborns) with a wide variation observed among centers (.43-6.82 per 1000 live births). Neonates with PPHN were admitted to the Level III neonatal intensive care units at a mean of 12 hours of age (standard deviation: 19 hours). Wide variations in the use of all treatments studied were found at the centers. Hyperventilation was used in 65% overall but centers ranged from 33% to 92%, and continuous infusion of alkali was used in 75% overall, with a range of 27% to 93% of neonates. Other frequently used treatments included sedation (94%; range: 77%-100%), paralysis (73%; range: 33%-98%), and inotrope administration (84%; range: 46%-100%). Vasodilator drugs, primarily tolazoline, were used in 39% (range: 13%-81%) of neonates. Despite the wide variation in practice, there was no significant difference in mortality among centers. Mortality was 11% (range: 4%-33%). No specific therapy was clearly associated with a reduction in mortality. To determine whether the therapies were equivalent, neonates treated with hyperventilation were compared with those treated with alkali infusion. Hyperventilation reduced the risk of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without increasing the use of oxygen at 28 days of age. In contrast, the use of alkali infusion was associated with increased use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio: 5.03, compared with those treated with hyperventilation) and an increased use of oxygen at 28 days of age. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperventilation and alkali infusion are not equivalent in their outcomes in neonates with PPHN. Randomized trials are needed to evaluate the role of these common therapies.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1999

Preterm infant behavioral and heart rate responses to antenatal phenobarbital.

The effects of antenatal phenobarbital on behavioral state and heart rate (HR) were examined in a randomized sample of 49 preterm infants > 24 and < 34 weeks postconceptional age. Behavioral state and HR observations were made during a routine care giving procedure on Days 1, 2, and 3 of life. There were no differences in behavioral state and HR responses between control and experimental subjects, suggesting that antenatal phenobarbital did not have a sedative effect on experimental subjects. Infants in both study groups responded to caregiving with changes to fussy/cry behavior and increases in HR. Older infants and nonventilated infants were more often in fussy/cry states during care giving than younger infants and ventilated infants. The HR increases were not clinically important, but the behavioral changes were, suggesting that behavioral response may be a more sensitive sign of distress than HR in very young preterm infants.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Inaccuracy of Ballard scores before 28 weeks' gestation. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.

OBJECTIVE: Ballard scores are commonly used to estimate gestational age (GA). The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the New Ballard Score (NBS) for infants <28 weeks GA by accurate menstrual history and to evaluate NBS as an outcome predictor. METHODS: Infants weighing 401 to 1500 g in 12 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers had NBS performed before age 48 hours. Accuracy of NBS estimates of GA was assessed for infants with GA determined by accurate menstrual history. In a larger cohort of infants, NBS was included in regression models of the association of NBS and death, poor outcome, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: At each week from 22 to 28 weeks GA by accurate menstrual history, NBS estimates exceeded GA by dates by 1.3 to 3.3 weeks, and estimates varied widely (range of widths of 95% CIs for the observations, 6.8 to 11.9 weeks). NBS did not contribute significantly to regression models of death, poor outcome, or duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Inaccuracies in GA determined by the NBS should be considered when treating extremely premature infants, particularly in decisions to forego or administer intensive care. Refinement of GA scoring systems is needed to optimize clinical benefit.

Female↗
PubMed1999

Effects of antenatal corticosteroids on blood pressure in very low birth weight infants during the first 24 hours of life.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that prenatal glucocorticoids significantly increase mean arterial blood pressure in very low birth weight preterm infants during the first 24 hours after birth. STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively collected data from 178 inborn infants with birth weights between 500 and 1499 gm were examined. A total of 80 infants were born to mothers treated with corticosteroids (birth weight: 1057 +/- 271 gm, gestational age: 28.0 +/- 2.6 weeks), and 98 infants were untreated controls (birth weight: 1030 +/- 280 gm, gestational age: 28.0 +/- 2.8 weeks). The study setting was a university-based tertiary care center for newborn intensive care. RESULTS: Mean blood pressures on admission and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours were significantly higher in steroid-treated infants. Steroid-treated infants received significantly less volume expansion (3.8 +/- 8.5 ml/kg versus 14.4 +/- 20.7 ml/kg; p < 0.001) than controls. Vasopressor support was also reduced in the steroid group (2.5% versus 11.5%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Antenatal steroids are associated with both a higher mean systemic blood pressure and a decreased use of vasopressors and plasma expanders in very low birth weight infants during the first 24 hours after birth. This effect is not limited to infants of < 1000 gm; it is also significant in infants with a birth weight between 1000 and 1499 gm, and is already detectable in the first hours of life. We speculate that this finding may contribute to the mechanism of steroid protection against conditions such as intraventricular hemorrhage.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1999

Longitudinal growth of hospitalized very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: The interpretation of growth rates for very low birth weight infants is obscured by limited data, recent changes in perinatal care, and the uncertain effects of multiple therapies. OBJECTIVES: To develop contemporary postnatal growth curves for very low birth weight preterm infants and to relate growth velocity to birth weight, nutritional practices, fetal growth status (small- or appropriate-for-gestational-age), and major neonatal morbidities (chronic lung disease, nosocomial infection or late-onset infection, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis). DESIGN: Large, multicenter, prospective cohort study. METHODS: Growth was prospectively assessed for 1660 infants with birth weights between 501 to 1500 g admitted by 24 hours of age to 1 of the 12 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers between August 31, 1994 and August 9, 1995. Infants were included if they survived >7 days (168 hours) and were free of major congenital anomalies. Anthropometric measures (body weight, length, head circumference, and midarm circumference) were performed from birth until discharge, transfer, death, age 120 days, or a body weight of 2000 g. To obtain representative data, nutritional practices were not altered by the study protocol. RESULTS: Postnatal growth curves suitable for clinical and research use were constructed for body weight, length, head circumference, and midarm circumference. Once birth weight was regained, weight gain (14.4-16.1 g/kg/d) approximated intrauterine rates. However, at hospital discharge, most infants born between 24 and 29 weeks of gestation had not achieved the median birth weight of the reference fetus at the same postmenstrual age. Gestational age, race, and gender had no effect on growth within 100-g birth weight strata. Appropriate-for-gestational age infants who survived to hospital discharge without developing chronic lung disease, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, or late onset-sepsis gained weight faster than comparable infants with those morbidities. More rapid weight gain was also associated with a shorter duration of parenteral nutrition providing at least 75% of the total daily fluid volume, an earlier age at the initiation of enteral feedings, and an earlier age at achievement of full enteral feedings. CONCLUSIONS: These growth curves may be used to better understand postnatal growth, to help identify infants developing illnesses affecting growth, and to aid in the design of future research. They should not be taken as optimal. Randomized clinical trials should be performed to evaluate whether different nutritional management practices will permit birth weight to be regained earlier and result in more rapid growth, more appropriate body composition, and improved short- and long-term outcomes.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1999

Dexamethasone therapy increases infection in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Infection is a major complication of preterm infants, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. We recently reported the results of a multicenter trial of dexamethasone initiated at 14 or 28 days in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants who were at risk for chronic lung disease; the results showed an increase in nosocomial bacteremia in the group receiving dexamethasone. This study is an in-depth analysis of bacteremia/sepsis and meningitis among infants enrolled in the trial. METHODS: Data on cultures performed and antibiotic therapy were collected prospectively. Infections were classified as definite or possible/clinical. RESULTS: A total of 371 infants were enrolled in the trial. There were no baseline differences in risk factors for infection. For the first 14 days of study, infants received either dexamethasone (group I, 182) or placebo (group II, 189). During this period, infants in group I were significantly more likely than those in group II to have a positive blood culture result (48% vs 30%) and definite bacteremia/sepsis/meningitis (22% vs 14%). Over the 6-week study period, 47% of those cultured had at least one positive blood culture result (53% in group I vs 41% in group II) and 25% of the infants had at least one episode of definite bacteremia/sepsis/meningitis (29% in group I vs 21% in group II). Among infants with definite infections, 46.8% were attributable to Gram-positive organisms, 26.6% to Gram-negative organisms and 26.6% to fungi. The factors present at randomization were evaluated for their association with infection. Group I assignment and H(2) blocker therapy (before study entry) were associated with increased risk of definite infection, whereas cesarean section delivery and increasing birth weight were associated with decreased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Infants who received a 14-day course of dexamethasone initiated at 2 weeks of age were more likely to develop a bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid infection while on dexamethasone therapy than were those who received placebo. Physicians must consider this increased risk of infection when deciding whether to treat VLBW infants with dexamethasone.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1998

A multicenter trial of two dexamethasone regimens in ventilator-dependent premature infants.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-dependent premature infants are often treated with dexamethasone. However, the optimal timing of therapy is unknown. METHODS: We compared the benefits and hazards of initiating dexamethasone therapy at two weeks of age and at four weeks of age in 371 ventilator-dependent very-low-birth-weight infants (501 to 1500 g) who had respiratory index scores (mean airway pressure x the fraction of inspired oxygen) of 52.4 at two weeks of age. One hundred eighty-two infants received dexamethasone for two weeks followed by placebo for two weeks, and 189 infants received placebo for two weeks followed by either dexamethasone (those with a respiratory-index score of > or =2.4 on treatment day 14) or additional placebo for two weeks. Dexamethasone was given at a dose of 0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight twice daily intravenously or orally for five days, and the dose was then tapered. RESULTS: The median time to ventilator independence was 36 days in the dexamethasone-placebo group and 37 days in the placebo-dexamethasone group. The incidences of chronic lung disease (defined as the need for oxygen supplementation at 36 weeks' postconceptional age) were 66 percent and 67 percent, respectively. Dexamethasone was associated with an increased incidence of nosocomial bacteremia (relative risk, 1.5; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.1) and hyperglycemia (relative risk, 1.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.2 to 3.0) in the dexamethasone-placebo group, elevated blood pressure (relative risk, 2.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.2 to 6.9) in the placebo-dexamethasone group, and diminished weight gain and head growth (P< 0.001) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ventilator-dependent premature infants with dexamethasone at two weeks of age is more hazardous and no more beneficial than treatment at four weeks of ages.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Very low birth weight outcomes of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network, January 1993 through December 1994.

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine the mortality and morbidity rates for infants weighing 501 to 1500 g according to gestational age, birth weight, and gender. STUDY DESIGN: Perinatal data were collected prospectively on an inborn cohort from January 1993 through December 1994 by 12 participating centers of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network and were compared with the corresponding data from previous reports. Sociodemographic factors, perinatal events, and the neonatal course to 120 days of life, discharge, or death were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of infants survived until discharge to home or to a long- term care facility (compared with 74% in 1988). Survival to discharge was 49% for infants weighing 501 to 750 g at birth, 85% for those 751 to 1000 g, 93% for those 1001 to 1250 g, and 96% for those 1251 to 1500 g. The majority of deaths occurred within the first 3 days of life. Mortality rates were greater for male than for female infants. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most frequent pulmonary disease (52%). Chronic lung disease (defined as an oxygen requirement at 36 weeks after conception) developed in 19%. Thirty-two percent of infants had evidence of intracranial hemorrhage. Periventricular leukomalacia was noted in 6% of infants who had ultrasonography after 2 weeks. The average duration of hospitalization for survivors was 68 days (122 days for surviving infants weighing 501 to 750 g, compared with an average of 43 days for surviving infants 1251 to 1500 g). Among infants who died, the average length of stay was 19 days. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate for infants weighing between 501 and 1500 g at birth continues to decline. This increase in survival is not accompanied by an increase in medical morbidity. There are interactions between birth weight, gestational age, sex, and survival rates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Outcomes of very low birth weight twins cared for in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network's intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to compare outcomes of very low birth weight twins with those of matched singletons. STUDY DESIGN: With data from the Neonatal Research Network registry (May 1991 to December 1994), univariable and multivariable comparisons of very low birth weight twin pairs and singletons were performed in 2 subgroups: (1) all paired twins and singletons with birth weights between 401 and 1500 g and (2) all paired twins and singletons born at <28 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: Twins constituted 19% of infants admitted with very low birth weight. Mothers of twins were more likely to receive prenatal care, have labor, have cesarean delivery, and receive antenatal glucocorticoids. Twins were more likely to have respiratory disease and to receive surfactant. Second-born twins had more early respiratory disease but similar longer-term outcomes. The risks of death, chronic lung disease, and grade III or IV intracranial hemorrhage were similar in twins and singletons. CONCLUSIONS: Although very low birth weight twins compose a sizable proportion of admissions, in National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network intensive care units, twins and singletons have similar outcomes.

Birth Weight↗