Mortality and follow-up data for neonates weighing 500 to 800 g at birth
S. Buckwald, W. A. Zorn and E. A. Egan
Survival and development of immature premature neonates (birth weight, less
than or equal to 800 g) at a single regional center were compared for 2 1/2
years, when such neonates' conditions were considered hopeless, and for the
next 4 1/2 years, when aggressive therapy was used. During the first 2 1/2
years, two (4%) of 56 survived, one of whom was profoundly impaired. During
the next 4 1/2 years, 65 (44%) of 147 survived. Of 65 survivors, 54 were
followed up for at least one year: 43% were normal, 22% had mild
developmental delays, and 19 (35%) were impaired. Of the 19 impaired, one
was profoundly impaired and four were severely affected. The number of
normal survivors and the high level of functioning of most of the impaired
survivors suggests intensive care is as appropriate for neonates weighing
800 g or less as for more mature, severely ill newborns
