Outcomes of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants at the Asan Medical Center between 2003 and 2006

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI) who were born at the Asan Medical Center and evaluate the recent status of neonatal intensive care and associated problems. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 120 inborn ELBWI who were admitted to the NICU of the Asan Medical Center between 2003 and 2006. The survival rate, neurodevelopmental outcomes, maternal and infant factors, and infant mordibities were evaluated and the relationships with survival and catch-up growth were investigated. RESULTS: The survival rate of the ELBWI was 82% at a mean gestational age of 27+2 weeks, and with a mean birth weight of 801.3+/-129.0 g. The duration of hospitalization was 85.7+/-27.2 days, the duration of O2 use was 43.9+/-35.4 days, and the duration of ventilatory support was 20.9+/-20.9 days among the survivors. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia were 41.8%, 61.2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. The mean mental developmental index and psychomotor development index of Bailey Scales of Infant Development (II) at follow-up were 83.4+/-18.2 and 83.3+/-20.3, respectively. Among the infants who had >18 months of follow-up, 50.8% had catch-up growth at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The survival rate of ELBWI has improved; however, the morbidities remain high, thus indicating further efforts must be implemented to reduce morbidity and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.