The effect of initial Apgar score on the birthweight-specific survival of the very low-birthweight infant.

Gestational age (GA) and birthweight (BW) specific neonatal survival statistics were generated to examine the possible effect of one-minute Apgar score on outcome in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. BW-specific and GA-specific survival is enhanced when the one-minute Apgar score is 4 or more. The route of delivery seems to matter little, although the cesarean section rate is higher for VLBW infants. The data suggest that preconceived notions about adverse outcome for this group of infants could be improved by delivery in better condition. Similarly, our approach for using BW- and GA-specific outcome, which includes condition at birth, can provide a more useful basis for comparing between different populations, allowing for some assessments to be made concerning the quality of care.