Outcome in low-birth-weight infants (750 to 1,500 grams): a report on 164 cases managed at Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California.

A series of 164 infants, weighing 750 to 1,500 grams, managed at Children's Hospital from January 1, 1972, to December 31, 1975, was studied. Of the 164 infants, 62% (102) survived. Obstetric factors associated with decreased survival were lower gestational age, fetal distress in labor, and breech presentation. Neonatal factors associated with decreased survival were lower birth weight, low Apgar scores, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, and sepsis. Of the infants who died, 62% did so within the first 48 hours of life, and 90% within the first 12 days of life. Eighty-two infants were followed for 1 year or longer, and 56 were followed for more than 4 years. Among the 82 infants, cerebral palsy occurred in seven, and less serious neurological handicaps developed in seven additional infants. Of the infants followed for 4 years or longer, 82% were neurologically and developmentally normal. Obstetric factors did not correlate with neurological handicaps; neonatal factors that did correlate with severe respiratory distress syndrome and seizures. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurred in 6.5% of inborn infants and in 14.2% of infant transfers.