Am J Perinatol 2007; 24(10): 593-601
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-992175
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Mortality for Newborns of Birthweight less Than 1500 g in Spanish Neonatal Units (2002-2005)

Manuel Moro1 , Josep Figueras-Aloy2 , Cristina Fernández3 , Eduardo Doménech4 , Rafael Jiménez5 , Jesús Pérez-Rodríguez6 , Vicente Pérez-Sheriff7 , José Quero7 , Vicente Roqués8 and Grupo SEN 1500
  • 1Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid
  • 2Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona
  • 3Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid
  • 4Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife
  • 5Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona
  • 6Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Materno-Infantil La Paz Madrid
  • 7Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid
  • 8Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico-Infantil La Fe, Valencia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 October 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mortality and its prognostic factors in a Spanish cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants during the period 2002 to 2005. Using the Spanish Society of Neonatology database (SEN 1500), 8942 infants with a birthweight < 1500 g were recruited. The overall mortality was 17.3%. However, this incidence underwent a significant decrease over the study period, from 19.4% in 2002 to 15.2% in 2005 (p = 0.003). Mortality ranged from 12.4% in 25% of the participating neonatal units to 19.4% in a further 25%. Mortality was higher in outborn infants (25.8%) than in inborn infants (16.6%) (p < 0.001). The mortality rates of these neonates are also presented by 100-g intervals (401 to 1500) and for the different hospitalization times: in the delivery room, within 24 hours and 28 days of birth, at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, and on discharge. Of note was that mortality was greatest within 24 hours and 28 days of birth in each of the weight groups (p < 0.001). In conclusion, in the cohort of infants < 1500 g examined, mortality in the period from 2002 to 2005 was still high, especially among newborns weighing < 1000 g. We did, however, observe a decreasing trend in mortality rates for the participating neonatal units over the 4 study years. Our findings highlight the need to promote intrauterine transport and improve neonatal transport as well as the management of these infants in the delivery room and within the first 28 days of life.

REFERENCES

Manuel MoroM.D. 

Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, C/ Martín Lagos s/n

28040, Madrid, Spain