Prognostic Indicators for Survival of Very Low Birth Weight Infant

Abstract

            Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were known to have high morbidity and mortality. It was hard for obstetricians to predict the chance of survival of these infants when multiple factors were involved. This retrospective cross sectional study was to determine the prognostic indicators of VLBW infants and to develop an equation to predict the chance of survival. All live born VLBW
infants who delivered in labor room of Lampang Regional Hospital from January 2005 to December 2009 were included. Their maternal medical records and neonatal charts were reviewed for antenatal, peripartum and neonatal factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. There were 223 live born VLBW infants in the study period and 74.9 percent survived beyond 28
days. After univariate analysis was done for every factor. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the significant antenatal factors was done. There were 3 factors that were significant enough to include in the equation. They were gestational age, anomaly and giving dexamethasone. The significant antenatal, peripartum and perinatal factors shown in this study were similar to other studies. Having the survival score equation and the graph of the chance of survival posted in labor room of any hospital can help obstetricians in counseling with the pregnant woman regarding the prognosis of her fetus. In conclusion, this study ultimately showed 3 prognostic indicators which were used in a more useful way, as a survival score equation. This should help obstetricians to know better, regarding the prognosis of a VLBW infant.
Key words: very low birth weight infant, prognosis, survival