Impact of extremely immature infants on neonatal services. Issue 2 (March 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bohin, S.; Draper, E. S.; Field, D. J.
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 74:Issue 2(1996)
• Page Start: F110
• Page End: F113
• Publication Date: 1996-03
• Subjects: Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/fn.74.2.F110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : The impact of very immature infants on neonatal services was examined within the United Kingdom. The Trent Health Region was used as a geographically defined population. Data were obtained on all infants weighing less than 1501 g at birth and all infants born before 32 weeks gestation between 1991-93. Information relating to length of stay, duration of ventilation, and survival was documented. Only one of 49 infants born before 24 weeks gestation survived. However, 75% of this group were ventilated. Most of the remaining infants died before 48 hours of age. A similar pattern was also seen in infants of 24 and 25 weeks gestation. Infants under 24 weeks gestation comprised 1.5% of all ventilated infants and consumed 2.14% of the total neonatal ventilator days for the region. It is concluded that the United Kingdom operates a conservative policy towards infants born before 24 weeks gestation and as a result resources expended on them are limited.