A critical survey of the New York program for the care of premature infants

Abstract

Summary 1. The premature program of thepast decade for New York City is described. 2. Statistics relating to mortalityrates for premature infants in 4 weight groupings under 2,500 grams are presented for hospitals with approved premature centers and for the City as a whole. 3. A downward trend is noted in themortality rate in each weight group, except in the less than 1,000 gram group. 4. Comparison of mortality rates ofpremature infants (classified by weight groups) born in a borough as yet not included in the premature program with those of infants born in hospitals with centers supports the hypothesis that premature center care increases the survival rate. 5. In each weight group infantscared for in approved centers had a higher survival rate than was the case for the City as a whole. 6. A higher proportion of motherswho delivered prematurely had late or no prenatal care than did those who delivered at term. 7. Emphasis is put on the importance of paying greater attention to the care of the “large premature infant”. 8. The need for intensive and continuedfollow-up care after discharge from the hospital is emphasized. 9. The need for continued and intensifiedresearch is indicated.