RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early predictors of mortality in very low birth weight neonates. SETTING: Teaching hospital. DESIGN: Case control study. METHODS: Hospital born very low birth weight newborns (500-1500 g) enrolled for study and followed up till death or 28 days. Infants' birth data and data on physiologic alterations, investigation and interventions in the first 24 hours of life and CRIB score were analyzed for their ability to predict neonatal mortality. RESULTS: 115 subjects were enrolled into the study of which 47 died in the neonatal period. The factors significantly associated with early neonatal mortality included birth weight, gestation, low Apgar scores, need for assisted ventilation at birth, need for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation in the first 24 hours, presence of shock, hypoxia and acidosis (p < 0.05). The factors associated with late neonatal mortality were birth weight and gestation only. Multivariate analysis of these factors showed that besides low birth weight, shock, need for mechanical ventilation, acidosis and high alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients were significant predictors of neonatal mortality. When compared with the CRIB score, birth weight <1200g proved to be an equally good predictor of mortality risk. CONCLUSION: VLBW neonates with disturbed cardio-pulmonary physiology during the first 24 hours of life, especially those in need of mechanical ventilation, are at an increased risk of early neonatal mortality.