Long-term neurological and psychological outcome of babies with low birthweight (less than or equal to 1500 g) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Padua University.

Abstract

Mortality and long-term outcome in low birthweight infants (less than or equal to 1500 g) treated in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Padua in 1975, 1978/79, and 1983 were analysed. Mortality rates fell from 75% in 1975 to 58% in 1978/79 and to 33% in 1983. Incidence of sequelae decreased from 1975 to 1978/79 and did not change between 1978/79 and 1983. No perinatal pathology (RDS, hyperbilirubinemia, endocranial hemorrhage) was statistically related with long-term outcome, but some associations (RDS + endocranial hemorrhage + seizures) appeared more frequently in cases which presented major neurological sequelae.