Outcome of infants of very low birth weight: a geographically based study.

The outcome of 143 live-born infants of very low birth weight (defined as less than 1500 g) who were born in 1980-81 to women resident in Newfoundland and Labrador is described. Sixty-one infants (43%) died during the first year of life. Of the 82 surviving infants 79 were followed for 18 months to 3 years. Eight (10%) were found to have evidence of severe neurodevelopmental abnormality, and nine (11%) were found to have various minor problems, including seizures, developmental delay and behavioural disorders. There was an inverse association between birth weight and mortality. Neonatal pneumothorax, seizures and clinical evidence of intraventricular hemorrhage were more commonly seen among infants who died; these factors also seemed to be predictive of an adverse long-term outcome. Continuous monitoring of the rates of death and disability among infants of very low birth weight born within a defined region should provide the basis for rational planning and delivery of neonatal intensive care.