[The fate of very early premature babies. Mortality, morbidity and 2-year follow-up in a population of 96 very early premature babies].

The neonatal fate, and outcome at 2 years in a population of 96 premature babies born after no more than 28 weeks of amenorrhea is described. Mortality was directly influenced by the gestational age (< 26 WA = 52% vs. > or = 26 WA = 21.1%, p < 0.01) and the birth weight (< 1,000 g = 41.5% vs. > 1,000 g = 20%, p < 0.05). Two other factors with a harmful impact were identified: retarded growth (neonatal mortality doubled) and fetal multiplicity (increased fourfold). Investigation of the neonatal morbidity highlights the importance of respiratory, neurological and digestive problems. Assessment of the longer-term outcome has shown an 11.3 p. cent incidence of handicap. An estimation of the prognosis on the basis of gestational age is proposed.