Predictive Models for Mortality among VLBW Neonates

Background: Very low birth weight neonates constitute 10-15% of newborn, admitted in neonatal intensive care unit. Mortality and various morbidities depend on various antenatal and perinatal risk factors.

Objective: Primary objective of study was assess predictors of VLBW mortality and develop predictive models.

Method:- Prospective study, was conducted in tertiary care teaching institute of south India. A total 239 inborn VLBW neonates were included after applying exclusion criteria. Admitted babies were monitored throughout the hospital stay and were assessed at discharge or death. Mortality was defined as in hospital death. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were done to determine the predictors of mortality.

Result: Out of the 239 infants, 49 (20.5%) expired and 190 (70.5%) survived. Mortality among ELBW and extreme preterm were 69.3% and 73.3% respectively. Mean birth weight and Mean gestational age of study cohort was 31.4 ± 3 weeks and 1191+ 245 gms respectively. Univariate analysis showed various perinatal factors and neonatal morbidities were found to have association with mortality. On adjusted multivariate logistic regression birth weight