Evaluation of neonatal intensive care for extremely low birth weight infants in Victoria over two decades: I. Effectiveness

Abstract

CONTEXT: Although individual components of neonatal intensive care have proven efficacy, doubts remain about its overall effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in effectiveness of neonatal intensive care for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants over 2 decades. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study of consecutive ELBW infants born during 4 distinct eras: 1979-1980, 1985-1987, 1991-1992, and 1997, all followed to at least 2 years of age. SETTING: The state of Victoria, Australia. PATIENTS: All ELBW live births of birth weight 500 to 999 g in the state in the calendar years indicated (1979-1980 [n = 351]; 1985-1987 [n = 560]; 1991-1992 [n = 429]; 1997 [n = 233]). Survivors were..