1545 NEONATAL VARIABLES AND OUTCOME IN A NEONATAL ICU POPULATION

Abstract

376 VLBW neonates were admitted to Regional Perinatal Center between July 1979 to December 1981. 281 (75%) survived, 127 (45%) were followed up for up to 18 months corrected age and 3 years of age. The overall neonatal mortality was 25%; mean gestational age, 29.8 ± 2.35 wk.; mean birthweight, 1113 ± 230 gm.; SGA, 26%; Apgar ≤3 at 1 min., 35%; ≤5 at 5 min., 21%; outborn 35%, ventilated 78%. CT scan/ultrasound was done on 77 (61%), of which 38 (49%) had paraventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage. Neurologic examination, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities were done. Cerebral palsy or developmental delay (MDI more than 2 standard deviation below the mean), and visual deficits were considered severe handicaps. Mean Bayley Score 70-84 were considered suspect. We compared 14 neonatal variables among the normal (n=76) and the severely handicapped group (n=18). Statistical analysis was done using student t-test. Presence of seizures, exchange transfusion(s), hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunt were highly correlated with an abnormal outcome (p <0.01) and multiple birth, breech presentation, and exceeded Kernlute were correlated, but to a lesser degree (p <0.05). Avoiding major CNS hemorrhage may be possible to decrease the incidence of handicaps.