Changes in survival patterns of very low-birth weight infants from 1980 to 1993

Article Abstract:

The odds of survival for very low-birth-weight infants appears to depend on race, sex, year the child was born, and whether the child was born in or transported to a regional perinatal care center. Researchers analyzed data on 12,960 newborns admitted to nine Florida neonatal intensive care units between 1980 and 1993. All infants weighed less than 1,500 g at birth. Overall, the percentage of infants discharged alive from the hospital increased from 77% between 1980 and 1985 to 84% between 1990 and 1993. Black infants were more likely to survive than white infants of similar birth weight, and girls were more likely to survive than boys. Infants transported to the perinatal care center had higher survival rates than infants born there. This could be because doctors transported the healthier infants or because the mothers at highest risk were transferred to the regional center before the birth.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Infant mortality

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Health status of preterm low-birth-weight infants: comparisons of maternal reports

Article Abstract:

None of several rapid means of assessing the health status of toddlers born preterm proved to be useful predictors of the future need for health services. Researchers evaluated the predictability of the General Health Rating Index (GHRI), the Stein-Jessop Functional Status II-R (FSIIR), and the mother's global perception of the child's health for 608 24-month-old children born at less than 37 weeks gestation and weighing less than 2,500 grams. The GHRI score was weakly associated with the likelihood of health complications, behavior problems, and the need for medical services. The FSIIR was not associated with any of these. The mother's perception that the child was in poor health was associated with an increased likelihood of behavioral problems, and a fourfold increase in the use of health care services. However, it was not specific enough to be useful for practical or research purposes.

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A Parable Wrapped in an Enigma

Article Abstract:

The author presents reasons why he believes that attempts to establish accurate population-based data on the aftereffects among high-risk newborns are less possible today than before despite the profusion of data and databases. He points out the change in professional relationships between obstetricians, family practitioners, pediatricians and perinatology/ neonatology specialists which has been forced by managed care companies and health maintenance organizations. Finally, he states that follow-up services are no longer funded because they do not fit in the framework in which access to care is controlled by primary care physicians who must approve all referrals to specialists.

Statistical Data Included, Evaluation, Abnormalities, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Outcome and process assessment (Health Care), Outcome and process assessment (Medical care)

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