What is the best predictor of mortality in a very low birth weight infant population with a high mortality rate in a medical setting with limited resources?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the best predictor of mortality risk in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in resource limited settings.

METHODS

The Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) II score and the simplified age-weight-sex (SAWS) score for all VLBW infants born during the period January 2005 to June 2006 at the University Hospital of the West Indies were retrospectively calculated. The respective ability of each score, birth weight, and calculated or assessed gestational age to predict mortality was quantified using the area under receiver operating curves.

RESULTS

Fifty two (48%) males and 57 (52%) females were entered into the study, out of which 58 (53%) infants died. The CRIB II score was found to be a better predictor of mortality (p = 0.02) when compared with calculated gestational age but had similar predictive power when compared with assessed gestational age. The SAWS score was found to have equal predictive value of mortality (p = 0.1) as the CRIB II score, however it was a better predictor of mortality than calculated gestational age (p = 0.002) but had no predictive advantage over assessed gestational age. Birth weight however, proved to be the best predictor of mortality (p < 0.01) with an area under the curve of 0.91 (standard error 0.03; 95% confidence interval 0.85-0.96).

CONCLUSION

In resource poor settings where mortality of VLBW infants is high there may be no benefit in the addition of other variables to birth weight in predicting outcome.