Pronóstico del recién nacido de muy bajo peso: resultados del cuidado intensivo neonatal

Abstract

The morbidity and lethality of 250 newborns with birthweight less than 1501 gr. admited to the Neonatal Unit of the Roberto del Rio Hospital between 1980-1983, are analyzed with the purpose of comparing the outcome after the availability of assisted ventilation equipment. The survival was 66.4% for the whole group and 50% for those with less than 1001 . Only in this group a moderate trend to improve the survival was observed, starting 1982. In general terms these infants not needing mechanical ventilation have a better prognosis, than those who needed it. Any group studied, the survival rate is threefold o fourfold better in the first group (90.0 vs 27.7%). The most important cause of death was the severe infection; responsible for half of the deaths. Acute respiratory insufficiency accounted for 32.1% of the deaths with a clear trend to decrease along the years. These results are encouraging, if we compare with highly sophysticated units, and with our own previous results (1976-78). The improvement in prognosis of infants with respiratory insuficiency means an achievement in the objectives of the implementation of Neonatal intensive care. There is no solution yet for the prob lems of crossed infections, that requires, more than equipment, human resources and working materials.