Factors associated with poor prognosis in very-low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate predictors of poor outcome, including the CRIB (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) score, in a local population of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants, in order to provide guidelines for selection of these babies for expensive tertiary care.

SUBJECTS

Two hundred and thirty-one neonates born at less than 31 weeks' gestation and/or weighing between 1001 g and 1500 g, enrolled prospectively as part of a multicentre study evaluating the CRIB score.

DESIGN

Univariate analysis (chi-square/t-tests) and multivariate analysis (stepwise logistic regression) on the above sample to determine predictors of poor outcome.

SETTING

Neonatal Unit, Johannesburg Hospital.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Death or impairment (namely oxygen therapy > 28 days, grade 3 or 4 intraventricular haemorrhage, or ventricular enlargement).

RESULTS

Poor outcome was predicted by birth weight, lowest oxygen requirement in the first 12 hours (which are two components of the CRIB score), and maximum partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) in the first 72 hours. Other factors, including the full CRIB score, were not predictive of outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

One method of selection of infants for expensive tertiary care is on the basis of predicted outcome. Birth weight remains a reasonable basis for this selection, but the inclusion of other factors, such as oxygen requirement, would improve accuracy. The CRIB score was not a suitable means to select infants in the local context, but may be of value in international comparisons.