Role of sex in morbidity and mortality of very premature neonates. Issue 8 (14th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ito, Masato; Tamura, Masanori; Namba, Fumihiko
• Is Part Of: Pediatrics international. Volume 59:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 898
• Page End: 905
• Publication Date: 2017-07-14
• Subjects: bronchopulmonary dysplasia -- necrotizing enterocolitis -- outcome -- sex -- very low‐birthweight infant; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/ped.13320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1328-8067

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sex on survival and short‐term outcomes of very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI) born in Japan. Methods: This study included VLBWI who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units participating in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan, between 2003 and 2012. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality or any major morbidity, including neurologic injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment. Results: The composite primary outcome was worse in male infants. Male infants were also more likely to develop BPD. This difference reached statistical significance in neonates born at ≥26 weeks of gestation. In contrast, significant difference in the incidence of NEC was more likely to be seen at 23–25 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: Male neonates are more likely to die and are at a higher risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal complications than female neonates.